A Chicago Fire Department lieutenant died Thursday night, and his family suspects the West Nile virus, according to officials.
Lt. Thomas Flahive died about 6:30 p.m. at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, Fire Department Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said. Flahive's family suspects his death was caused by West Nile.
"That's what it looks like," Langford said.
Flahive, 58, a member of the department since 1989, started experiencing flulike symptoms 10 days or so ago while at the firehouse.
He was vacationing in Wisconsin about two weeks ago when a mosquito bit him in the neck, Langford said.
"He was at the firehouse feeling symptoms, and he decided to go home and check into the hospital," Langford said.
The family is donating parts of his body to science in the hope that more can be learned about the virus and its effects, he said.
The Fire Department's chaplain, the Rev. Thomas Mulcrone, said the donation is in the spirit of the lieutenant, who continues to give after death for the benefit of others.
Flahive was assigned to Engine 108's firehouse at Milwaukee and Laramie avenues on the Far Northwest Side.
Flahive is survived by his wife, Mary Faith, and three adult children, Langford said.
Services are pending.
Copyright 2012 - Chicago Tribune
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
