Will County Gazette

Cook County health officials have confirmed the first human death from West Nile virus in suburban Cook County and Illinois for 2025. The resident, who was in their 60s, died after laboratory tests determined that West Nile virus was a contributing factor.

Since monitoring began on May 11, Cook County has recorded 33 human cases of West Nile virus. This number is nearly twice as high as last year’s total. Of these cases, 22 were neuroinvasive, affecting the central nervous system. In comparison, suburban Cook County saw 19 cases and five deaths last year.

“This year’s first death from West Nile virus in Illinois is a sobering reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses are still with us,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement.

Adina McCollough, Recreation Manager for Park Forest Recreation, Parks & Community Health, said the recent death underscores the need for ongoing community vigilance. “This hits close to home,” McCollough said. “But now is not the time to be scared—it’s the time to be prepared.”

West Nile virus spreads through bites from infected mosquitoes, which typically contract the virus by feeding on infected birds. Most people exposed do not develop symptoms; however, some may experience mild illness such as fever or rash. More severe infections can lead to serious neurological conditions or even be fatal.

McCollough advised residents to use insect repellent, avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn, and eliminate standing water near homes to reduce breeding sites. “We want our residents to enjoy the outdoors safely,” she said. “That means wearing insect repellent, avoiding being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and draining any standing water around your home so mosquitoes can’t breed.”

Additional precautions recommended by county health officials include repairing torn window screens and reporting stagnant water sources to local authorities.

“As long as mosquitoes are flying around, people are at risk,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health. “Everyone should take steps to protect themselves, especially seniors, who are at greater risk for severe illness and death.”

Statewide last year there were 69 reported human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois with 13 fatalities.

More prevention information is available through the Cook County Department of Public Health’s “Fight the Bite” campaign at https://cookcountypublichealth.org/communicable-diseases/west-nile-virus/.