Illinois reports first West Nile Virus death of 2024

Posted on August 28, 2024

*^{Last year there were six deadly cases of West Nile virus. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)}*

By WMBD-TV

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first person who has died as a result of the West West Nile in the state this year.

According to an IDPH news release, the 80-year-old man from Lake County had an onset from symptoms of West Nile virus in mid-August and died shortly after.

“Sadly, Illinois is reporting our first death of the year attributed to West Nile virus,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra on Tuesday. “This death – and the six that occurred last year in Illinois – are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems.

“This is why while warm weather continues and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take steps to ‘Fight the Bite.’ Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellents, and reporting locations at high risk for producing mosquitoes,” he said.

Last year there were six deadly cases of West Nile virus.

So far this year, IDPH has also reported nine other human cases of the West Nile virus in Illinois, with cases being reported in Cook, DuPage, Tazewell, Will and Winnebago counties.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected]

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