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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Illinois officials have confirmed two deaths from West Nile virus this year. Health officials say the deaths are a reminder that the mosquito-borne virus can cause serious illness.
The Illinois Department of Public Health said Tuesday the deaths were reported in Cook and Kendall counties.
One victim was a man in his early 90s from south suburban Chicago. That case was announced Monday by the Cook County Department of Public Health. The Kendall County victim reportedly was a person in their 70s.
Health officials recommend wearing mosquito repellent when outside between dusk and dawn. It's important to remove standing water around homes and to repair or replace broken screens on windows.
Last year, state health officials reported 44 human cases of the virus in Illinois, including four deaths.
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