WILL COUNTY REPORTS FIRST HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASE
A 51-year-old from Will County has tested positive for West Nile virus, the county’s health department said.
The individual, whose sex and hometown were not released, did not require hospitalization and is recovering, a news release said.
The department’s Environmental Health Division also has reported that mosquito batches in Crete, Frankfort, Bolingbrook, Plainfield, Joliet and Mokena have tested positive for the virus this summer.
West Nile virus typically causes mild, flu-like symptoms and most people do not develop any symptoms. About 20% of infected people may have a fever, body aches, headache, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. About 1 in 150 develop a severe illness that affects the central nervous system through inflammation of the brain or the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, the release said.
The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported 24 human cases throughout the state, including in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Kendall counties. The state has also reported two deaths linked to the virus.
CITY AND AMERICAN LEGION HONORING WHITE STAR FAMILIES
The city of Naperville has issued a proclamation on behalf of the American Legion Post 43 to recognize White Star Families, who are families of veterans and first responders who have lost a loved one to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or other mental issues resulting from service.
The proclamation brings attention to the emotional and psychological injuries often carried by military personnel and first responders long after their service ends, a news release said. It recognizes the importance of honoring veterans lost to suicide and supporting the families they leave behind.
“Losing a veteran or first responder to suicide does not erase their service or the impact they made on our community,” Nadia Baran, Commander of Post 43, said in a statement. “Their families carry a unique burden of grief. Recognizing them as White Star Families ensures they are seen, supported, and never left to face that loss alone.”
Post 43 said also is working to reduce the stigma surrounding PTSD, mental health and suicide and encourages the community to help connect those affected with available resources.
BRIGHTSIDE TO HOST GALA AT YELLOW BOX IN NAPERVILLE
BrightSide Theatre, a professional theater company in Naperville, is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a gala, “Monte Carlo Night,” from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Yellow Box Theatre, 1635 Emerson Lane, Naperville.
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The fundraiser includes a cocktail reception, dinner buffet, casino games, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Cocktail attire is encouraged.
Tickets are $125 per person. Proceeds support the theater company’s productions as well as helping young performers through the BrightSide Theatre Youth Project.
Tickets are available through Monday, Sept. 21. For more information, go to www.brightsidetheatre.com.