LAKE COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) – The first Illinois resident to die from West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2024 was reported Tuesday.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Lake County man, in his 80s, developed symptoms of WNV in mid-August and died shortly thereafter.
IDPH also reports there have been nine confirmed non-fatal cases of WNV this year.
“Sadly, Illinois is reporting its first death from West Nile virus this year,” said Illinois Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This death, along with six other deaths that occurred in Illinois last year, are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older adults and those with weakened immune systems.”
Of the nine other cases reported in 2024, the majority were reported in Cook County, with the others reported in DuPage, Will, Winnebago and Tazewell counties.
According to IDPH, WNV is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito (commonly known as the typical mosquito), which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.
Common symptoms of WNV include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.
According to IDPH, four out of five people infected with WNV never show symptoms, but in rare cases, severe illness can occur that can lead to brain infections such as meningitis and encephalitis, paralysis and even death.
There is currently no specific treatment or vaccine for WNV, so minimizing the risk of infection is important.
IDPH encourages the public to “fight the bites” by practicing the three “R's.”
Reduce mosquito populations by removing outdoor water containers, using insect repellents to repel mosquitoes, and reporting areas where standing water has been present for more than a week.
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