CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has confirmed the first human case and first human death of West Nile virus (WNV) reported in Illinois for 2022. A person in their late 70’s in Cook County became ill at the beginning of August and subsequently died. WNV was a contributing factor in the death. Laboratory testing at CDC has confirmed the diagnosis of WNV.
“This unfortunate first reported death of the year from West Nile virus in Illinois is a reminder that this disease poses a risk, especially to those who have weakened immune systems,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “While the weather is warm and mosquitos are breeding, we should all take precautions to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and eliminating standing water around our homes where mosquitos breed.”
To read the full release from IDPH, click here.