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Community Corner

First Human Case of West Nile Reported in Kane County

A 46-year-old man from Burlington has been diagnosed with the virus.

Health officials announced today the first reported case of a person with West Nile virus in Kane County.

A 46-year-old Burlington man has been diagnosed with the West Nile virus, according to the Kane County Health Department.

Health department workers spoke with the man today to confirm the diagnosis but would not elaborate on his condition.

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"This shows that people need to protect themselves," said department spokesman Tom Schlueter.

People with comprised immune systems need to be extra careful because they could have a more severe response to the illness, Schlueter said.

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The health department has been monitoring the mosquito population throughout the summer and, prior to this confirmed human case, had discovered mosquitoes and birds in the county carrying West Nile.

Schlueter said people need to be extra vigilant about clearing standing water and changing bird baths, as these can be breeding grounds for the bugs.

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