A Suburban County Resident in their 60s has died after contracting west nile virus, marking the first virus-related Death is year in illinois, health offizes announced wednesday.
Lab testing has confirmed that the virus was a control factor in the Resident’s Death, the Cook County of Public Health Said in a Statement.
The Health Department did not provide details of what community the residence lived in, their name, or how they contracted it.
Since the Start of the Surveillance Period 11, Suburban Cook County Has Recorded 33 Human Cases of the West Nile Virus, which Department Said is Nearly Last Year’s Count. Of Those Cases, 22 were neuroinvasive, meaning the virus impact a patient’s central nervous system.
By Comparison, 19 Cases and Five Deaths Were Reported in Suburban Cook County Last Year. Statewide, Illinois Logged 69 Cases and 13 Fatalities Related to the Virus in 2024.
Chicago Reported Its First Human Cases of West Nile Virus for 2025 in August.
The Majority of the West Nile Virus Cases Involve Little to No Symptoms and May Go Unreported, so the Health Department Emphasizs that CASE COUNTS ARE UNDERESTIMATES.
“The Year’s First Death from west nile virus in illinois is a sobering reminder that mosquito-borne ilnesses are still with us,“ Said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Sameer Vohra. “It ‘important to take appropriate precautions as the Weather Remains Warm.”
CCDPH’s Dr. Kiran seduces Said in a staff all Residents Should Steps to Protect Themselves from the virus, especilantly seniors, who face a higher risk for severe illness and death.
“As Long as Mosquitoes Are Flying Around, People are at the risk of nonquito bits and of Contracting west nile virus,” seduce Said in the staff.
Health Officials Are Urging Residents to “Fight the bits“By Reducing Mosquito Exposos, USING INSECT RELATION AND REPORTING PROBLEMS WITH STANDING WATER. Residents Should Look for EPA-REGISTRED INSESCT SKELLENTS 20% to 50% Deet for adults and 20% Deet for Children.
While Most People Who Become Infectted Experience No Symptoms or Mild Ones, Health Officials Said Cases Cause High Fover, Neurological Damage or Death. Symptoms that will Occur May Show Up With Three to 15 Days AFTER INFECTION, ACCITING TO The Health Department.