Illinois reports their first human case of the West Nile Virus for 2025

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KBSI) — Health officials are warning residents across southern Illinois and southeast Missouri to take precautions against the West Nile virus. This comes after Illinois has their first confirmed human case of the virus this year, reported in Wayne County.

“This marks the earliest positive case in Illinois since 2016,” said Shawnna Rhine, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Southern Seven Health Department.

Rhine is reminding residents that the West Nile virus is not airborne and can only be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. “It’s not something you can contract from someone else,” she said.

The Southern Seven Health Department is actively testing mosquitoes throughout the region to monitor the virus.

As of now, the virus has been detected in mosquitoes in 19 counties statewide. In 2024, Illinois recorded 69 confirmed human cases of the West Nile virus, including 13 deaths, the highest total since 2018.

“We are in mosquito season and will be until about the middle of September,” Rhine said. “If you hear there’s a positive case in your county, be extra vigilant outdoors and keep an eye on your children and pets, as they can also contract the virus.”

Common symptoms of West Nile virus include headache, muscle aches, fever, nausea, diarrhea, and rash. “These symptoms mimic a lot of other viruses,” Rhine said. “If they last more than a few days, contact your doctor for testing to rule it out.”

There is no vaccine for West Nile virus. Recovery typically depends on the body’s natural immune system working out the virus.

To reduce the risk, Rhine suggests the public to follow the “Three R’s” which are Reduce, Repel, and Report.

Reduce mosquito infested areas by avoiding standing water areas.

Repel by wearing insect repellent clothes or wearing bug spray when outdoors.

Report areas with many mosquito to local health departments for treatment.

“We want people to continue to monitor their surroundings and take proactive steps,” Rhine said. “Most people don’t show any symptoms, but if you do and they persist, don’t wait, get tested.”