The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes found in Chicago for the first time this year, according to health officials.
The Chicago Department of Public Health said Friday it confirmed the city’s first West Nile Virus-positive mosquitoes of 2026. According to Chicago’s West Nile Virus Surveillance Dashboard, two of 148 pools tested have come back positive. No human cases have been detected.
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For those who do, symptoms usually start two to six days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Some people may develop mild illness with flu-like symptoms such as fever with a headache or body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash.
Severe illness is possible, and in rare cases can affect the central nervous system or result in hospitalization or death. Symptoms of a severe infection include a high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors. Anyone who experiences such symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
With mosquito season underway, CDPH is reminding residents the insects are more than a nuisance and can spread several diseases. Health officials are encouraging people to take the following steps to prevent serious illness:
Wearing repellent regularly Using Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US), IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)2-undecanone Covering up with long sleeves and plants Removing standing water around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding Keeping grass trimmed and removing any weeds around your home; mosquitoes like to hide in tall grass and weeds, according to CDPH Repairing screen doors and windows to keep mosquitoes out of your homeHence then, the article about first west nile positive mosquitoes of the year confirmed in chicago was published today ( ) and is available on NBC Chicago ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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