Illinois reports first West Nile virus death of the year, in Chicago

Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune on Sep 1, 2026

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CHICAGO — A person in Chicago has died of West Nile virus, marking Illinois’ first death from the illness so far this year, health officials announced Tuesday afternoon.

The Chicago Department of Public Health did not release any additional information about the person Tuesday.

So far, more than half a dozen people in Illinois have contracted West Nile virus this year: in Chicago, suburban Cook County and at least one in Piatt County.

Last year in Illinois, there were 150 human cases of West Nile and 10 deaths, according to the state health department.

“The year’s first death in Illinois related to West Nile virus is a sobering reminder to take mosquito-borne illness seriously,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a news release.

This summer has been particularly rainy, giving mosquitoes many opportunities to breed, said Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Garth Walker in the news release.

“The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites and take measures to stop them from breeding around your home,” Walker said.

West Nile virus typically spreads through mosquito bites. Most people who are infected don’t feel ill, but about 1 in 5 people develop a fever and flu-like symptoms. About 1 in 150 people get severely ill.

Older adults, people who are immunocompromised and those with chronic medical conditions are most at-risk of severe illness.

The Chicago Department of Public Health encourages people to use EPA-registered insect repellant that includes ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. It also recommends people eliminate standing water on their properties, keep grass and weeds short and wear long sleeves, pants and socks when outside between dusk and dawn.

The Chicago public health department said it has sprayed insecticide in 15 different community areas in recent weeks including Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, East Garfield Park, Lower West Side, Morgan Park, Near West Side, North Lawndale, O’Hare, Pullman, Roseland, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Lawn, and West Pullman.

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