The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed Illinois’ first human case of West Nile virus of 2025 in an individual from southern Illinois who was hospitalized due to complications of the infection.
About one in 150 people who contract the disease caused by a bite from an infected mosquito develop a severe illness that can affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and even cause paralysis. The case marks the earliest onset of illness observed in Illinois since 2016, and underscores the risk posed by mosquito bites, especially to those who are over 65 or immunocompromised.
So far in 2025, the virus has been confirmed in 19 counties, including Wayne and Clinton.
In 2024, there were 69 confirmed human cases including 13deaths, the highest number since 17 virus-related human deaths recorded in 2018.
To prevent mosquito bites, practice the ‘Three R’s’: reduce the opportunity for mosquitoes to enter your home by fixing screens and dumping standing water; repel mosquitoes by wearing EPA-registered insect repellent outdoors and report standing water in your community to the local health department.
