Two Illinois residents who tested positive for West Nile virus have been hospitalized with a “more serious, neuroinvasive” form of the virus, according to health officials.
The Kane County Health Department reported two Aurora residents tested positive for the virus, becoming the county’s first human cases for the 2026 mosquito season.
“These cases are a reminder that West Nile virus is present in our community and that mosquito bite prevention remains important throughout the remainder of the mosquito season,” Michael Isaacson, executive director for the KCHD, said in a statement. “While most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, the virus can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.”
The form of the virus contracted by the Kane County residents is rare, according to health officials.
The health department noted that while most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, about one in five people develop a fever and symptoms like headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. An even smaller number develop a severe illness that can affect the brain and nervous system, with conditions like encephalitis or meningitis.
Those age 60 and older and people with weakened immune systems are at the “greatest risk for severe disease,” health officials said.
Last year, there were five human cases of the virus in the county.
Kane County is not alone, however.
Health officials in Chicago also recently confirmed the city’s first human cases of West Nile Virus, as well as the city’s first death of the year from the illness.
What is West Nile virus?
According to the KDPH, “West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, commonly known as a house mosquito,”
“Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus and can then transmit the virus to people and other animals,” the agency said.
How can you prevent it?
The best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites, health officials said, as there is no specific treatment or vaccine for West Nile virus in people.
KDPH offered the following tips:
• Use insect repellent. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol according to label directions.
• Wear protective clothing. When outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes.
• Eliminate standing water. Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, children’s pools, pet dishes, tires and other containers at least once a week.
• Maintain screens. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair any holes or tears.
• Keep grass and weeds trimmed. Mosquitoes can use vegetation around homes as resting areas.
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