CDC Confirms First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Illinois

(Undated) — The first human case of West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Illinois. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the first human case of West Nile virus of 2025 was in an individual from Southern Illinois who was hospitalized due to complications of the infection. They say the case marks the earliest onset of illness observed in Illinois since 2016, and underscores the risk posed by mosquito bites, especially to those who are over 65 or immunocompromised. So far in 2025, the virus has been confirmed in 19 counties. The first positive mosquito batch of this year was found on May 9th in Rockford. The CDC says last year, there were 69 confirmed human cases of the virus, including 13 deaths, the highest number since 2018.