Illinois health officials reveals first West Nile virus death of 2024

LAKE COUNTY (WBBM NEWSRADIO) - Illinois is reporting its first West Nile virus death of the year.

The person was in their 80s and lived in Lake County. Over the past week, two others have tested positive, according to the Lake County Health Department. The victim began experiencing symptoms in mid-August and died shortly thereafter.

The virus, primarily spread by certain types of mosquitoes, is especially harmful to older people, though people infected don't usually have symptoms. Some may become ill usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and experience fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.

The health department says people can protect themselves from mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves and pants when outside and using EPA approved insect repellent.

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