The Wayne County Health Department announced on Monday that Illinois has reported its first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2025. The affected individual, a resident of Wayne County, was hospitalized due to complications arising from the virus. Fortunately, the patient has since been discharged and is now recovering at home.
West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. These mosquitoes become carriers of the virus after feeding on infected birds. While most individuals infected with WNV show no symptoms, some may experience mild symptoms, including fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches that can last for several days or even weeks. In rare cases, WNV can lead to severe neurological conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, paralysis, or, in extreme cases, death. The elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from this virus.
As of 2025, a total of 19 counties in Illinois have reported West Nile Virus activity, which includes positive cases in mosquitoes, horses, or humans. The counties reporting WNV cases include: Bureau, Christian, Clinton, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Hancock, Henry, Marshall, McDonough, McHenry, Peoria, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Wayne, and Winnebago. In 2024, the state recorded a total of 69 human cases of West Nile Virus, which resulted in 13 deaths, marking the highest number of cases since 2018.
Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), emphasized the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites, stating, “The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder—especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems—to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites.” He encouraged all Illinois residents to engage in the “Fight the Bite” initiative and to take necessary precautions to safeguard themselves and their families.
The IDPH offers the public three essential prevention steps: Reduce, Repel, and Report.
Reduce exposure by avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn), repairing damaged screens, and eliminating any standing water around homes. Repel mosquitoes by using EPA-registered insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535, and by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Report potential mosquito breeding sites, such as stagnant water in ditches, containers, or flooded yards, to local municipal authorities.The Illinois Department of Public Health is allocating $2.8 million in funding to local health departments throughout the state to enhance mosquito control efforts. This funding supports activities such as larvicide application, vector surveillance, and public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of West Nile Virus.
For additional information about West Nile Virus, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website at: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.
