Evergreen Park Mayor Has West Nile Virus

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton has the West Nile Virus, Village Clerk Catherine T. Aparo announced at Monday night's village board meeting.

Aparo read a statement from Sexton to those gathered at village hall. In it, the mayor said a recent test confirmed that he has the West Nile Virus. It is not clear how he contracted it or when.

Sexton's family released a on Aug. 7 indicating that he had been hospitalized with a viral infection. In the statement, also read at the village board meeting that night, his family said he was not incapacitated and was in regular communication with village officials.

It is not widely known when Sexton was initially hospitalized, or even where he is being treated now.

In the statement Aparo read Monday night, Sexton reiterated he was speaking daily with other village officials. In the same statement, Sexton thanked those who have offered good wishes, and asked that people keep them coming because, he said, they do help. He also asked for "patience and support."

Trustee Jerry Bosch led Monday night's village board meeting in Sexton's absence.

This summer's hot, dry weather has in the number of West Nile-carrying mosquitoes, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Mike Knieps, deputy director of for Evergreen Park, told Patch two weeks ago that the village was and working on plans to spray for mosquitoes in local cemeteries. He said residents who see standing water should dump it out, as it provides the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends using insect repellent when outdoors; wearing long sleeves and pants when outside at dusk and dawn, time mosquitoes are most active; and ensuring you have good screens on your windows and exterior doors.

It remains unclear when Sexton will be back at village hall full-time. The next regularly scheduled village board meeting is Sept. 4, the day after Labor Day.