First West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in Illinois

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes are officially confirmed in the State of Illinois for 2024.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that two mosquito batches in the state tested positive this week for the virus. One was found in Hoffman Estates, Cook County, and the other was found in Jacksonville, Morgan County.

The positive mosquito batches come two weeks after a bird in Douglas County was found to be infected , the first infected bird in the state.

“The report of the first two batches to test positive for West Nile virus serves as a timely reminder for Illinoisans to begin protecting themselves from vector-borne diseases,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It is important for everyone – and especially older people and those with weakened immune systems – to safeguard themselves and their families from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and eliminating standing water around their home. You can ‘Fight the Bite’ by practicing the three Rs – reduce, repel, and report.”

West Nile Virus originates in birds but transfers to mosquitoes when they feed on infected birds. The virus can then transfer to humans through mosquito bites. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, head and muscle aches, and they can last from a few days to a few weeks. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death, can occur. People older than 60 and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.

The three R’s Vohra referred to — reduce, repel, and report — include the following actions:

• Reduce — Making sure door and windows have tight-fitting screens, replacing screens that have tears or other openings, eliminating sources of standing water like bird baths, ponds, flowerpots and old tires.
• Repel — Wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves outside, using EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Report — Report locations of stagnant water, like roadside ditches and flooded yards, to your local health department.

West Nile Virus was up in Illinois last year compared to 2022, the IDPH said. There were 119 human cases and six deaths across 67 Illinois counties in 2023, compared to 33 human cases and seven deaths across 44 counties in 2022, though the actual number of human cases could be higher.

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