- William J. Mueller was hospitalized for two weeks and died Saturday
- At least 26 people have died across the United States, according to the CDC
- A West Nile virus epidemic prompts a public health emergency in the Dallas area
- The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes
(CNN) -- An Illinois man died from West Nile complications over the weekend as the United States battles its biggest spike in the virus since 2004.
William J. Mueller was hospitalized for two weeks and died Saturday, according to the Lombard village website.
Mueller, 76, has served as the village's president for almost two decades.
At least 26 deaths and 693 cases in 32 states have been reported nationwide as of Tuesday evening, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A West Nile virus epidemic has prompted a public health emergency in Dallas County, Texas, where the disease has killed at least nine people, a judge declared this month. Insecticide spraying from planes will be offered to certain communities hit hard by the virus.
Of the states that have reported infections in people, birds or mosquitoes, most have been in Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma, the CDC said in a statement. The CDC also lists a breakdown of infections by state.
"It is not clear why we are seeing more activity than in recent years," said Marc Fischer, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC. "Regardless of the reasons for the increase, people should be aware of the West Nile virus activity in their area and take action to protect themselves and their family."
The virus is transmitted through infected mosquitoes.
In the United States, most infections occur between June and September, and peak in August, according to the CDC.
Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the CDC said.
People over age 50 and those with conditions such as cancer, diabetes and kidney disease or with organ transplants are at greater risk.
There are no medications to treat West Nile virus or vaccines to prevent infection. People with milder illnesses typically recover on their own, but those more seriously affected may need hospital care.
Health experts say prevention measures include using insect repellent and getting rid of mosquito breeding sites.
