Illinois Confirms Its First Human West Nile Virus Case of the Year
Illinois reports its first human case of West Nile virus this year, marking the earliest detection since 2016. Health officials urge residents to take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce infection risk.
Public health authorities in Illinois have officially announced the detection of the state's first human case of West Nile virus for the year. The case involves a resident from southern Illinois who tested positive for the virus following hospitalization. Notably, this marks the earliest occurrence of a human West Nile virus case in Illinois since 2016, with the patient testing positive in late June.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) confirmed that West Nile virus has been detected in 19 counties across the state so far this season. The earliest record of the virus in mosquitoes was in Rockford on May 9. During the previous year, the virus was present in 72 of Illinois's 102 counties, highlighting the widespread nature of the disease.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, IDPH Director, emphasized the importance of protective measures, especially for vulnerable groups like seniors and immunocompromised individuals. He advised residents to shield themselves from mosquito bites by using EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, ensuring screens are intact on doors and windows, and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Stagnant water standing for a week or more should be discarded or reported to local authorities.
Most cases of West Nile virus are asymptomatic, but around 20% develop serious symptoms, particularly those over 60 years old or with weakened immune systems. In 2024, the virus caused 69 human illnesses and 13 deaths in Illinois. Transmission to humans primarily occurs through bites from infected mosquitoes, chiefly the Culex house mosquito, which is usually brown and active during early evening hours.
While the virus can be found in birds and horses, human-to-human transmission is rare. Preventive measures remain the best way to avoid infection during peak mosquito activity season.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-health-state-human-west-nile.html
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