By I. Edwards HealthDay Reporter<\/b>
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THURSDAY, June 26, 2025 (HealthDay News) \u2014 Illinois has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year, health officials say.<\/p>\n
The person, who lives in southern Illinois, was hospitalized with complications from the mosquito-borne virus, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).<\/p>\n
This is the earliest West Nile virus case reported in Illinois since 2016. Health officials say it\u2019s a sign that mosquito season is off to an early start and that people should take steps to protect themselves, WGN <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder \u2014 especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems \u2014 to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites,\u201d Dr. Sameer Vohra<\/a>, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said.<\/p>\n West Nile virus spreads through the bite of a Culex <\/a>mosquito \u2014 also known as a house mosquito \u2014 that has gotten the virus while feeding on an infected bird.<\/p>\n Most people who get the virus don\u2019t have any symptoms. But some may have fever, nausea, headaches or muscle aches that last from a few days to several weeks.<\/p>\n In rare cases, the virus can cause serious health problems like paralysis or meningitis.<\/p>\n People over 60 or those with weak immune systems are more likely to get very sick.<\/p>\n About 1 in every 150 people infected develops severe symptoms that can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.<\/p>\n So far in 2025, mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in 19 counties across Illinois. The first batch of virus-positive mosquitoes this year was discovered in Rockford, Ill., on May 9.<\/p>\n In 2024, the state had 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus, including 13 deaths \u2014 the highest number of deaths since 2018, WGN <\/em>reported.<\/p>\n A county is considered \u201cpositive\u201d for the virus if it\u2019s found in a mosquito, horse or person living there.<\/p>\n Illinois counties reporting the virus this year include:<\/p>\n Bureau, Christian, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henry, Marshall, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Wayne and Winnebago.<\/p>\n Last year, West Nile virus was found in 72 of Illinois\u2019 102 counties, WGN <\/em>said.<\/p>\n The Illinois Department of Public Health reminds people to “Fight the Bite” with the \u201cThree R\u2019s\u201d:<\/p>\n REDUCE places where mosquitoes breed. Get rid of standing water in flowerpots, old tires, bird baths and wading pools. Fix torn screens and keep doors and windows closed if possible.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n REPEL mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves, pants and insect repellent. Use products with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR 3535, para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone. Always follow label directions, and ask your doctor before using repellents on babies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n REPORT standing water that doesn\u2019t drain for more than a week, such as roadside ditches or flooded yards. Your local health department may be able to treat the area to stop mosquitoes from breeding.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n More information<\/strong><\/p>\n The Cleveland Clinic has more on West Nile virus<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n