Illinois quick hits: West Nile virus death; COVID-19 in veterans homes; largest state police detail

West Nile virus death

The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the first 2024 death of an Illinois resident with West Nile virus. The individual, who was in their 80s and lived in Lake County, had an onset of symptoms of the virus in mid-August and died soon after.

IDPH is also reporting nine non-fatal cases of West Nile virus confirmed this year. Of the nine other human cases, the majority were reported from Cook County, with others reported in DuPage, Will, Winnebago and Tazewell counties.

COVID-19 in veterans homes

The Illinois Veterans’ Homes at LaSalle, Manteno and Quincy are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff. Officials said the overwhelming majority of cases have presented mild symptoms.

As of Tuesday, 36 people tested positive with COVID-19 with a majority of the cases at Quincy. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs is encouraging residents to stay in their rooms to minimize movement, masking in direct care areas and has intensified cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Largest state police detail

Illinois State Police have completed the largest security detail in state history. ISP worked with federal, state and local agencies for more than a year and a half to coordinate security measures and responses for several locations for the Democratic National Convention.

Officials said the agency had multiple mission-specific roles to protect the safety of elected officials and convention attendees, and assigned security personnel for dignitaries attending approximately 500 events across Chicago.