Posted on 09/09/2002 2:06:43 PM PDT by newsperson999
ILLINOIS HUMAN CASES OF WEST NILE DISEASE RISE
10th Death, 44 New Cases Announced
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The number of human cases of West Nile virus illness rose to 268 with the addition today of 44 new laboratory positive cases of the mosquito-borne disease, according to Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director.
In addition, Dr. Lumpkin announced the state's 10th death due to West Nile encephalitis is a 79-year-old woman from Chicago who died on Aug. 30 and was reported to the Chicago Department of Public Health over the weekend. The state's other deaths were from Chicago (2), suburban Cook County (4) and one each from DuPage, Effingham and Moultrie counties.
Human cases have been identified in 23 of the state's 102 counties, including two counties -- Edgar and Kankakee -- that today recorded their first cases.
"The escalating number of human cases underscores how pervasive this virus has become in our state," Dr. Lumpkin said. "Until there are sustained cool temperatures or a hard frost, it is incumbent on all of us to take the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a mosquito bite. This simply means follow the precautions that have been recommended."
It's not surprising that people exist with looney ideas. It's just insane governments listen to them.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.