Missouri man dies of West Nile in Laclede County

Health officials say the death of a Missouri man about 40 minutes south of Osage Beach was probably caused by the West Nile virus.

KYTV reports the Laclede County Health Department said the Lebanon resident was in his 60s or 70s and died June 9. The department reported the death Thursday, after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reached a conclusion on the likely cause.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes. Most people do not develop symptoms, but the infection can develop into a serious and sometimes fatal illness.

Laclede County also had one fatal case of the infection last year.

Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches and rash. The risks of developing serious symptoms are higher for young children, the elderly and people with immune system problems.