Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first 2024 death of an Illinois resident due to West Nile virus (WNV). The individual, in their 80s and residing in Lake County, experienced the onset of WNV symptoms in mid-August and died shortly thereafter. In addition to this fatality, IDPH has confirmed nine non-fatal cases of WNV so far this year.

"Sadly, Illinois is reporting our first death of the year attributed to West Nile virus," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "This death – and the six that occurred last year in Illinois – are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. This is why while warm weather continues and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take steps to 'Fight the Bite.' Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellents, and reporting locations at high risk for producing mosquitoes."

Of the nine other human cases in 2024 to date, most were reported from Cook County, with additional cases in DuPage, Will, Winnebago, and Tazewell counties.

In 2023, the first WNV-related death also had an onset of symptoms in August. That year saw six deaths from WNV in Illinois along with 119 non-fatal cases reported (though human cases are generally underreported). The youngest person diagnosed with WNV last year was 33 years old; the median age of human cases was 67.

West Nile virus is transmitted through mosquito bites after mosquitoes feed on infected birds. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches which may persist from a few days to several weeks. While four out of five infected individuals do not show any symptoms, severe illness can occur in rare instances. This includes brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis as well as paralysis or death. Individuals over 50 years old and those with compromised immune systems face higher risks for severe illness from WNV.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV currently available; thus minimizing infection risk remains crucial.

IDPH advises practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, report:

- **REDUCE**: Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens without tears or openings. Eliminate standing water sources where mosquitoes can breed.

- **REPEL**: Wear protective clothing outdoors and use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or similar substances.

- **REPORT**: Notify authorities about stagnant water locations where mosquitoes might breed.

In 2023, positive WNV detections were reported across 67 counties in Illinois involving mosquitoes, birds, humans, and horses. So far this year there have been positive detections including mosquito batches from 57 counties since May.

Surveillance efforts include monitoring individuals exhibiting WNV symptoms along with environmental testing on mosquito batches and sick animals. Citizens observing sick or dying birds should contact local health departments for potential testing.

Further information on West Nile virus in Illinois can be accessed at: [West Nile virus](URL).

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