Health
First Illinois West Nile Virus Death of 2025 Reported in Cook County
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
A suburban Cook County resident has died from the West Nile virus, the Cook County Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday. It’s the first West Nile virus-related death in Illinois confirmed this year.
The suburban Cook County resident was in their 60s. Laboratory testing confirmed that West Nile virus was a contributing factor to the resident’s death, according to CCDPH.
The risk of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County remains high.
From May 11 through Sept. 6, suburban Cook County has recorded 33 cases of West Nile virus, almost twice the number of cases from last year, according to CCDPH. Of the 33 cases, 22 affected the central nervous system.
“As long as mosquitoes are flying around, people are at risk of mosquito bites and of contracting West Nile virus,” CCDPH Chief Operating Officer Dr. Kiran Joshi said in a news release. “Everyone should take steps to protect themselves from West Nile virus, especially seniors, who are at higher risk for severe illness and death.”
West Nile virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds. Public health officials are reminding residents to practice the three Rs:
- Reduce opportunities for exposure to mosquitoes
- Repel insect bites by wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent
- Report stagnant water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes to your local health department
Most cases of the West Nile virus infection have either mild or no symptoms and may go unreported, so case counts are underestimates, according to a news release.
Mild symptoms can be a fever, headache, rash and body aches three to 15 days after infection. Severe West Nile virus symptoms can include a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness and inflammation of the brain, which can lead to permanent neurological damage or death.
Last year, 13 people died from West Nile virus in Illinois. The state also recorded 69 human cases of West Nile virus last year, including 50 in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Contact Eunice Alpasan: [email protected]
