First human West Nile Case in southeastern Illinois

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 12:57 PM

By Steve Anderson

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP)

has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in 2025.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), a resident of Wayne County has been hospitalized due to complications from the virus, which is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

The case marks the earliest onset of the disease in the state of Illinois since the year 2016.

So far in 2025, the West Nile virus has been confirmed in 19 counties across the state. In 2024, the disease was discovered in 72 Illinois counties.

Residents are urged to take steps to prevent mosquito bites during the summer months by practicing the three "Rs"-Reduce outdoor exposure, Repel through the use of sprays containing DEET and Report illnesses to health department officials.