Illinois’ first West Nile virus-related death of 2024 reported in Lake County

The first West Nile virus-related death in Illinois in 2024 occurred in Lake County, health officials said Tuesday.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the person, who was in their 80s and lived in Lake County, had the onset of symptoms in mid-August and died soon after. The location or gender of the person was withheld due to medical privacy rules, the agency said.

Nine nonfatal cases of West Nile virus also have been reported to date this year with the majority in Cook County and others in DuPage, Will, Winnebago and Tazewell counties, according to IDPH.

“This death — and the six that occurred last year in Illinois — are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said in a news release.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, called a typical mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, according to IDPH.

Four of five infected people won’t show symptoms but those who do may have them from a few days to a few weeks. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis and paralysis or even death can occur.

The first West Nile virus-related death in Illinois in 2023 also had an onset of symptoms in August, the agency reported. Last year, there were six deaths and 119 nonfatal cases reported. People older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from West Nile virus, according to IDPH.

While warm weather continues and mosquitoes are breeding, people should protect themselves by reducing exposure, using repellents and reporting locations at high risk for producing mosquitoes.

For information, visit dph.illinois.gov.