Health officials report two more West Nile deaths

Associated Press

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Two more Illinois residents have died from West Nile virus, bringing the total number of deaths from the mosquito-spread disease this year to five.

A DuPage County woman in her 80s and a Sangamon County man in his 90s have died, the Illinois Department of Health reported Tuesday.

This year's previous West Nile deaths were in Will, Bond and Cook counties. All the victims have been older than 60.

Late summer usually brings a spike in West Nile infections, said Dr. Eric Whitaker, the state's public health director.

"Despite the cooler temperatures, we're still seeing an increase of West Nile virus cases," Whitaker said in a statement.

So far this year, 113 people have been sickened by the virus, according to reports received by the health department. Last year, there were 252 cases and 12 deaths.

Health officials say about two out of ten people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will get sick. People older than 50 are at highest risk for the most severe disease.

Risk can be reduced by using insect repellant and wearing long sleeves and long pants. But health officials advise consulting a doctor before using repellant on infants.