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N.Y. Gov. Cuomo Responds to Independent Reviewer Report
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following transcript:
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued the following response to the independent reviewer report.
The position statement from Attorney Rita Glavin can be viewed here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/8.3.21_Position_Statement_of_Governor_Cuomo.pdf
Over the past several months, you have heard a number of complaints brought against me. I called for an independent review, and I said at the beginning, I would let the process unfold. I didn't want anyone to say that I interfered.
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-New York, issued the following transcript:
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Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today issued the following response to the independent reviewer report.
The position statement from Attorney Rita Glavin can be viewed here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/8.3.21_Position_Statement_of_Governor_Cuomo.pdf
Over the past several months, you have heard a number of complaints brought against me. I called for an independent review, and I said at the beginning, I would let the process unfold. I didn't want anyone to say that I interfered.I said I would hold my tongue and I have - making only limited comments.
It has been a hard and a painful period for me and my family. Especially as others feed ugly stories to the press, but I cooperated with the review and I can now finally share the truth. My attorney, who was a nonpolitical, former federal prosecutor, has done a response to each allegation and the facts are much different than what has been portrayed.
That document is available on my website. If you are interested, please take the time to read the facts and decide for yourself.
First, I want you to know directly from me that I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances. I am 63 years old. I have lived my entire adult life in public view. That is just not who I am and that's not who I have ever been.
There is one complaint that has been made that bothered me most. That was a complaint made by a young woman, Charlotte Bennett, who worked in my office. And it's important to me that you fully understand the situation.
Charlotte worked in my office last year as an assistant. She was smart, talented, and eager to learn. She identified herself to me as a survivor of sexual assault. She said that she came to work in my administration because of all the progress we had made in fighting sexual assault. She talked about the personal trauma that she endured and how she was handling it.
I could see how it affected her. I could see her pain. People now ask me, why was I even talking to this young woman? If I knew she was dealing with such issues, why did I even engage with her? That is the obvious and fair question, and one I have thought a lot about.
The truth is that her story resonated deeply with me. I had heard the same story before with the same ugliness, the same injustice, the same damage. Not only had I heard this story before, I had lived with this story before. My own family member is a survivor of sexual assault in high school. I have watched her live and suffer with the trauma. I would do anything to make it go away for her, but it never really goes away.
I spent countless days and nights working through these issues with her and therapists and counselors. I'm Governor of the State of New York, but I felt powerless to help and felt that I had failed her. I couldn't take the pain away. I still can't and this young woman brought it all back. She's about the same age.
I thought I had learned a lot about the issue from my family's experience. I thought I could help her work through a difficult time. I did ask her questions I don't normally ask people. I did ask her how she was doing and how she was feeling. And I did ask questions to try to see if she had positive supportive dating relationships.
I know too well, the manifestations of sexual assault trauma and the damage that it can do in the aftermath. I was trying to make sure she was working her way through it the best she could. I thought I had learned enough and had enough personal experience to help. But I was wrong.
I have heard Charlotte and her lawyer and I understand what they are saying, but they read into comments that I made and draw inferences that I never meant. They ascribe motives I never had. And simply put, they heard things that I just didn't say.
Charlotte, I want you to know that I am truly and deeply sorry. I brought my personal experience into the workplace and I shouldn't have done that. I was trying to help - obviously I didn't. I am even more sorry that I further complicated the situation. My goal was the exact opposite. I wish nothing but good for you, and for all survivors of sexual assault.
There is another complaint that I want to address from a woman in my office who said that I groped her in my home office. Let me be clear. That never happened. She wants anonymity and I respect that. So I am limited of what I can say, but her lawyer has suggested that she will file a legal claim for damages. That will be decided in a court of law. Trial by newspaper or biased reviews are not the way to find the facts in this matter. I welcome the opportunity for a full and fair review before a judge and a jury, because this just did not happen.
Other complainants raised against me questions that have sought to unfairly characterize and weaponize everyday interactions that I've had with any number of New Yorkers.
The New York Times published a front page picture of me touching a woman's face at a wedding, and then kissing her on the cheek. That is not front-page news. I've been making the same gesture in public all my life. I actually learned it from my mother and from my father. It is meant to convey warmth, nothing more.
Indeed there are hundreds, if not thousands of photos of me using the exact same gesture. I do it with everyone. Black and white, young and old, straight and LGBTQ, powerful people, friends, strangers, people who I meet on the street after the event, the woman told the press that she took offense at the gesture.
And for that, I apologize. Another woman stated that I kissed her on the forehead at our Christmas party and that I said, "ciao Bella." Now I don't remember doing it, but I'm sure that I did. I do kiss people on the forehead. I do kiss people on the cheek. I do kiss people on the hand. I do embrace people. I do hug people, men and women.
I do on occasion say, "ciao, Bella." On occasion, I do slip and say "sweetheart," or "darling," or "honey." I do banter with people. I do tell jokes, some better than others. I am the same person in public as I am in private. You have seen me do it on TV, through all my briefings, and for 40 years before that.
I try to put people at ease. I try to make them smile. I try to connect with them and I try to show my appreciation and my friendship. I now understand that there are generational or cultural perspectives that frankly, I hadn't fully appreciated. And I have learned from this. Now the State already has an advanced sexual harassment training program for all employees, including me, but I want New York State government to be a model of office behavior, and I brought in an expert to design a new sexual harassment policy and procedures, and to train the whole team, myself included. I accept responsibility and we are making changes.
Other complaints relate to the work environment. Now, I have always said, my office is a demanding place to work and that it is not for everyone. We work really, really hard. My office is no typical nine to five government office, and I don't want it to be - the stakes we deal with are very high. Sometimes even life and death. We have to get the job done. I promised you that I would, and I will.
But now a number of complaints, target female managers, which smacks to me of a double standard. First, when have you ever seen male managers maligned and villainized for working long hours or holding people accountable or for being tough? A strong male manager is respected and rewarded. But a strong female manager is ridiculed and stereotyped. It is a double standard. It is sexist and it must be challenged.
Also, remember where we are. Today we are living in a superheated, if not toxic political environment - that shouldn't be lost on anyone. Politics and bias are interwoven throughout every aspect of this situation. One would be naive to think otherwise, and New Yorkers are not naive.
I understand these dynamics. My father used to say, God rest his soul, that politics is an ugly business. As usual he was right. But for my father and for me, it's worth it, because despite it all, at the end of the day, we get good things done for people. And that is what really matters. And for those who are using this moment to score political points or seek publicity or personal gain, I say they actually discredit the legitimate sexual harassment victims that the law was designed to protect.
My last point is this: I say to my daughters all the time that as complicated as life gets is as simple as life is. My job is not about me, my job is about you. What matters to me at the end of the day is getting the most done I can for you.
And that is what I do every day. And I will not be distracted from that job. We have a lot to do. We still have to manage the COVID beast. It is not dead yet. It's not over. We then have to reopen and re-imagine our state. Because our future is going to be what we make it. I know we can do these things because I know the strength and the character of New Yorkers. Look at the progress we made on COVID -- it is amazing. We went from the highest infection rate in the country to one of the lowest infection rates in the country. Nobody thought that we could do it, but New Yorkers did it. That shows that there's nothing that we can't do when we work together. Together, together as one, as one community, as one family, as New Yorkers, we will.
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VIDEO of the Governor's response is available on YouTube here (https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=99856823-c61e5111-99879116-000babd905ee-f55e7d8c8d9c48ff&q=1&e=2a620987-1bbb-4a54-b71c-8766ad17aa03&u=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FIGGlN99FVho) and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here: https://protect2.fireeye.com/v1/url?k=d334fe29-8cafc71b-d336071c-000babd905ee-ae79cfad3dd33bfe&q=1&e=2a620987-1bbb-4a54-b71c-8766ad17aa03&u=https%3A%2F%2Fspaces.hightail.com%2Freceive%2F3TArmGKWQQ
AUDIO is available here: https://soundcloud.com/nygovcuomo/cuomo-response
N.Y. A.G. James: Independent Investigators Find Governor Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violated State and Federal Laws
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James -- led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark -- today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women -- including former and current state employees -- by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments. Further,
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 4 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
The independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James -- led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark -- today released their report into the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. After nearly five months, the investigators concluded that Governor Cuomo did sexually harass multiple women -- including former and current state employees -- by engaging in unwanted groping, kissing, and hugging, and making inappropriate comments. Further,the governor and his senior staff took actions to retaliate against at least one former employee for coming forward with her story. Finally, the Executive Chamber fostered a "toxic" workplace that enabled "harassment to occur and created a hostile work environment." The investigators find that Governor Cuomo's actions and those of the Executive Chamber violated multiple state and federal laws, as well as the Executive Chamber's own written policies.
The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate "allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor." Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.
"This is a sad day for New York because independent investigators have concluded that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed multiple women and, in doing so, broke the law," said Attorney General James. "I am grateful to all the women who came forward to tell their stories in painstaking detail, enabling investigators to get to the truth. No man -- no matter how powerful -- can be allowed to harass women or violate our human rights laws, period."
Starting in December 2020, multiple women came forward with allegations that Governor Cuomo sexually harassed them. Over the course of the investigation, the investigators interviewed 179 individuals. Those interviewed included complainants, current and former members of the Executive Chamber, State Troopers, additional state employees, and others who interacted regularly with the governor. More than 74,000 documents, emails, texts, and pictures were also reviewed as evidence during the investigation.
Backed up by corroborating evidence and credible witnesses, the investigators detail multiple current or former New York state employees or women outside state service who were the targets of harassing conduct on the part of the governor.
As part of the investigation, Governor Cuomo also sat with the interviewers and answered questions under oath. While the governor denied the most serious allegations, the investigators found that he did so by offering "blanket denials" or that he had a "lack of recollection as to specific incidents." The investigators also found that the governor's recollection "stood in stark contrast to the strength, specificity, and corroboration of the complainants' recollections, as well as the reports of many other individuals who offered observations and experiences of the governor's conduct."
Additionally, the investigators found that the Executive Chamber was "rife with fear and intimidation" that not only "enabled the above-described instances of harassment to occur," but also "created a hostile work environment overall." Further, Governor Cuomo, himself, and the Executive Chamber engaged in "retaliatory" behavior by "intend[ing] to discredit and disparage" a former employee that came forward with her story of harassment.
The investigation found that Governor Cuomo's sexual harassment of multiple women and his and the Executive Chamber's retaliation against a former employee for coming forward with her claims of sexual harassment violated multiple state and federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the New York State Human Rights Law, and 42 U.S. Code Sec. 1983, in addition to the Executive Chamber's own equal employment policies.
Jennifer Kennedy Park, Abena Mainoo, and Rahul Mukhi from the law firm Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP were all deputized -- in addition to Joon H. Kim -- as Special Deputies to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. Yannick Grant from the law firm Vladeck, Raskin & Clark, P.C. was deputized -- in addition to Anne L. Clark -- as a Special Deputy to the First Deputy Attorney General to conduct the investigation and issue this report. A number of other attorneys from both Cleary Gottlieb and Vladeck were appointed as Special Assistants to the First Deputy Attorney General to assist with the investigation.
N.J. Gov. Murphy: SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to Businesses and Residents of New Jersey Affected by Flash Flooding
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
New Jersey businesses and residents affected by flash flooding on July 12, 2021 may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Affected residents and businesses in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer and Warren counties are eligible for assistance.
"I urge all residents and businesses affected by last month's flash flooding to apply for available assistance from the SBA," said Governor Murphy. "This assistance from our partners in the Biden Administration
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
New Jersey businesses and residents affected by flash flooding on July 12, 2021 may apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Affected residents and businesses in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer and Warren counties are eligible for assistance.
"I urge all residents and businesses affected by last month's flash flooding to apply for available assistance from the SBA," said Governor Murphy. "This assistance from our partners in the Biden Administrationwill help affected New Jerseyans recover from this flooding and allow them to rebuild damaged homes and businesses."
"Flash flooding events such as the one that occurred on July 12th can happen quickly and leave a substantial toll on people, property and businesses," said Colonel Patrick Callahan, State Director of the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. "A disaster loan from the SBA is another avenue they can take to recover in this time of need."
To assist businesses and residents affected by the disaster, the SBA will open Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) in Philadelphia and Bucks counties, and a Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center as indicated below.
Virtual DLOC
Virtual customer support representatives are available to help applicants who cannot come to the DLOC to complete the online application during these hours:
Open: Monday - Sunday (7 days/week)
Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. EDT
Email: FOCE-Help@sba.gov
Phone: (800) 659-2955
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Lower Bucks Government Services Center
7321New Falls Road
Levittown, Pennsylvania 19055
Opening: Monday, Aug. 2 at noon
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Open: Saturday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
(Open one Saturday only) Closed: Sunday
Closing: Thursday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m.
Philadelphia County
Katharine Drexel Library
11099 Knights Road
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19154 Opening: Monday, Aug. 2 at noon
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Open: Saturday, Aug. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
(Open one Saturday only) Closed: Sunday
Closing: Thursday, Aug. 12 at 4 p.m.
Customer Service Representatives will be available at the DLOCs to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help individuals complete their applications. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the SBA has established protocols to help protect the health and safety of the public. All visitors to the DLOC are encouraged to wear a face mask.
Applicants may be eligible for a loan amount increase up to 20 percent of their physical damages, as verified by the SBA for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements may include a safe room or storm shelter, sump pump, French drain or retaining wall to help protect property and occupants from future damage caused by a similar disaster.
Interest rates are as low as 2.88 percent for businesses, 2 percent for nonprofit organizations, and 1.625 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition.
Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA's secure website at DisasterLoanAssistance.sba.gov/ela/sand should apply under SBA declaration # 17054, not for the COVID-19 incident.
Disaster loan information and application forms may also be obtained by calling the SBA's Customer
Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications may be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster
Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Sept. 27, 2021. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 29, 2022.
Md. Gov. Hogan Touts Offshore Wind Expansion, Partnership Between U.S. Wind and Tradepoint Atlantic
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2021:
Governor Larry Hogan today touted a transformative partnership between US Wind and Tradepoint Atlantic to expand the development of offshore wind energy in Maryland--including the state's most ambitious clean energy project to date, helping to put the state well on track to meet its renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
"Offshore wind presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the state of Maryland to expand and diversify our economy and our energy portfolio," said
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Larry Hogan, R-Maryland, issued the following news release on Aug. 3, 2021:
Governor Larry Hogan today touted a transformative partnership between US Wind and Tradepoint Atlantic to expand the development of offshore wind energy in Maryland--including the state's most ambitious clean energy project to date, helping to put the state well on track to meet its renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals.
"Offshore wind presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the state of Maryland to expand and diversify our economy and our energy portfolio," saidGovernor Hogan. "For six and a half years now, our state has been leading the charge when it comes to supporting responsible and clean energy projects, and we are proud to continue setting an example for the nation of strong environmental leadership. With one of the most skilled workforces in the nation, one of the best ports and marine facilities in America, and with our administration's continued commitment to clean and renewable energy, I am confident that Maryland will continue to be a prime location for offshore wind development."
Today's announcements will bring substantial economic benefits to Maryland, including 3,600 jobs and over $800 million of investment in the state's economy. US Wind is the only offshore wind company in America exclusively focused on developing clean energy and jobs for Maryland.
Last fall, to give the region a strong foothold in offshore wind development, the governors of Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia announced a three-state collaboration to advance offshore wind projects in the region and promote the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States as a hub for offshore wind energy and industry. The Southeast and Mid-Atlantic Regional Transformative Partnership for Offshore Wind Energy Resources (SMART-POWER) provides a framework for the three states to cooperatively promote, develop, and expand offshore wind energy and the accompanying industry supply chain and workforce.
Maine A.G. Frey Lauds Court Decision Upholding Maine Law to Protect Community-Run Television Stations
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 4 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement:
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The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld a Maine law protecting community-run television stations today. The law was defended in court by the Office of the Attorney General, and the order is attached. In response to the ruling Attorney General Aaron M. Frey released the following statement:
"Community-run television stations provide vital public, educational and governmental programming. They allow Mainers to observe local government proceedings, view school sports and community
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 4 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement:
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The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit upheld a Maine law protecting community-run television stations today. The law was defended in court by the Office of the Attorney General, and the order is attached. In response to the ruling Attorney General Aaron M. Frey released the following statement:
"Community-run television stations provide vital public, educational and governmental programming. They allow Mainers to observe local government proceedings, view school sports and communityevents, and receive important news and public health and safety information. Unfortunately, cable television operators recently started to make it nearly impossible to find and watch these stations.
"Maine's legislature responded by enacting a law requiring cable operators to treat community-run television stations the same as the other stations they offer by, for example, including them in their programming guides, showing them in high definition, and not relegating them to the 'digital Siberia' of the 1300 channel range where few viewers venture."
"We are pleased that today, the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit rejected every one of the cable television industrys legal arguments and upheld all aspects of the Maine law, including the provision mandating that franchise agreements require cable operators to make service available to areas where there are at least fifteen residences per mile.
"Community-run television stations are a priceless public resource, and the courts ruling will go far in ensuring their continuing vitality by protecting against marginalization by cable television operators."
Ky. Gov. Beshear Issues State of Emergency Due to Severe Storm Damage in Nicholas County
FRANKFORT, Kentucky, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, issued the following news:
Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency following a severe storm July 30 in Nicholas County that resulted in historic flooding, with severe impacts to infrastructure, government properties and private properties. The Governor also sent a letter today to President Joe Biden requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in Nicholas County.
Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman visited Nicholas County this afternoon to tour the damage
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky, Aug. 4 -- Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Kentucky, issued the following news:
Gov. Andy Beshear issued a state of emergency following a severe storm July 30 in Nicholas County that resulted in historic flooding, with severe impacts to infrastructure, government properties and private properties. The Governor also sent a letter today to President Joe Biden requesting that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments in Nicholas County.
Gov. Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jaqueline Coleman visited Nicholas County this afternoon to tour the damagefrom the severe storms and torrential rain late last week.
"We are grateful for the immediate outpouring of assistance for Nicholas County provided by numerous volunteers and members of Team Kentucky, but our people still need help," Gov. Beshear said. "That's why I filed an emergency order and requested Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments from FEMA. To the people of Nicholas County, your neighbors are here for you, and we are working to provide relief."
The county received 4.07 inches of rain, which caused major flash flooding in downtown Carlisle and along Brushy Fork Creek, causing multiple road closures, flooded streets and inundated vehicles. One resident died of drowning. Approximately 80 homes and 30 businesses have been destroyed by flooding. Nicholas County officials estimate over $1.5 million in infrastructure damage, including the city's sewer system, which is still not operational.
The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management has been on site since Friday morning to provide assistance to local officials. County and city officials currently are performing damage assessments. Once complete, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will then be asked to perform a Joint Damage Assessment for Public and Individual Assistance.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has provided heavy equipment to assist the City of Carlisle clear debris and is working to address standing water with abatements. The Kentucky National Guard Armory is being used as a flood response resource distribution center and is available for residents to use showers. Multiple volunteer organizations have also been activated to support residents.
"We have been working with county and city officials on a coordinated response to assist with sheltering and emergency services," stated Michael Dossett, director of Kentucky Emergency Management. "We are requesting federal assistance in the form of a joint FEMA assessment team to assess the damages as soon as possible."
Dossett added: "We are creating a multiagency recovery center that will leverage all state cabinets and state partners in a community solution for the flooding event in Carlisle. That will include insurance, agriculture, volunteer assistance, disaster services and more. We hope to announce the opening of the recovery center and the location in the next several days."
Residents of Nicholas County who have been affected by the flooding are encouraged to contact Nicholas County Emergency Management or the City of Carlisle Emergency Management for assistance.
Ill. Public Health Dept.: First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Ill. for 2021
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 4 -- The Illinois Department of Public Health issued the following news:
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed today that a Cook County resident in his 80s who became ill in mid-June tested positive for West Nile virus.
"While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also remember to take steps to protect our health from other illnesses," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "West Nile virus is something
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 4 -- The Illinois Department of Public Health issued the following news:
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Illinois for 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed today that a Cook County resident in his 80s who became ill in mid-June tested positive for West Nile virus.
"While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also remember to take steps to protect our health from other illnesses," said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. "West Nile virus is somethingwe see every year in Illinois and it is important people take steps to prevent mosquito bites and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around their homes."
Last year, 26 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, bird, horse, and/or human case. For the 2020 season, IDPH reported 42 human cases (although human cases are underreported), including four deaths.
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
Precautions to Fight the Bite include practicing the three "R's" - reduce, repel, and report.
Reduce
Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut.
Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers
Repel
When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a light-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and apply an EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
Report
Report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito larvae.
