Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Illinois for 2024. The case, involving an individual in their 60s from suburban Cook County, was identified through commercial testing and clinical symptoms. Confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is pending. The onset of symptoms occurred in mid-June.

IDPH is actively monitoring positive batches of birds and mosquitoes via its West Nile virus dashboard, with 33 counties reporting positive results this year.

“Summer in Illinois means mosquitos, and these mosquitos increase our risk of contracting vector-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We encourage all Illinois residents to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect themselves and their loved ones from insect bites that can cause potentially serious illnesses."

In 2023, Illinois reported 119 human cases of WNV, a significant increase from the 34 cases reported in 2022. There were six deaths attributed to WNV in 2023 compared to seven in 2022. The first human case last year was recorded in late June.

To support mosquito control efforts, IDPH provides $2.8 million in funding to local health departments for vector surveillance and control activities. This includes purchasing larvicide, collaborating with municipal governments and media for prevention education, and investigating mosquito production sites.

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites after feeding on infected birds. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches lasting from days to weeks. Most people infected will not show symptoms; however, severe illness can occur in rare cases, particularly among individuals over 50 or those immunocompromised.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV currently available, making preventive measures essential. IDPH advises the public to follow the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report:

- **REDUCE**: Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens; eliminate standing water sources.

- **REPEL**: Wear protective clothing outdoors and use EPA-registered insect repellents.

- **REPORT**: Report stagnant water locations to local health departments or city governments.

Surveillance efforts include reporting symptomatic individuals and conducting laboratory tests on mosquitoes, dead birds, and sick horses. Observations of sick or dying birds should be reported to local health departments for potential testing.

Further information on WNV can be found on the IDPH West Nile virus dashboard.

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