West Nile Virus Found in 17 Illinois Counties in Early Summer

With Summer about to officially arrive on June 20, temperatures are going to feel like triple digits for several days, and mosquito season is back.

17 Counties in Illinois Report Positive WNV Samples

With the growing threat of West Nile Virus (WNV), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is sounding the alarm, as there have already been confirmed environmental samples testing positive for the disease.

According to an IDPH press release, 17 Illinois counties have confirmed the virus' presence, including Winnebago, DeKalb, Cook, and DuPage counties.

2024 Saw 13 Deaths from West Nile Virus in Illinois

In 2024, Illinois recorded 69 human cases of West Nile Virus and 13 deaths, which is the highest death toll in the state since 2018.

With mosquito season underway in Illinois, it is now time for Illinoisans, especially seniors and those with weakened immune systems, to start taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites. -IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra

According to the IDPH Director, you can avoid a serious illness if you follow the "Three R's."

Reduce the opportunity for mosquitoes to enter your home.
Repel mosquitoes by wearing insect repellent outdoors.
Report standing water in your community where mosquitoes can breed.

First Positive Mosquito Sample Found in Rockford on May 9

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Rockford was the site of Illinois' first confirmed West Nile Virus positive mosquito batch this year, found on May 9.

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IDPH's surveillance program works with 97 local health departments to monitor mosquito activity and control potential outbreaks.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Community

To prevent mosquito bites, IDPH is urging Illinois residents to eliminate standing water, wear protective clothing, and use EPA-registered repellents.

You're encouraged to report stagnant water to local authorities, who may be treating those areas to reduce mosquito populations.

Plant Some Of These In Your Garden to Keep Mosquitoes Away

As we previously told you, mosquitoes are the most dangerous creatures on earth. If you want to keep them away from you're yard, these plants can help!

Gallery Credit: Michelle Heart

LOOK: Here Are 30 Foods That Are Poisonous to Dogs

To prepare yourself for a potential incident, always keep your vet's phone number handy, along with an after-hours clinic you can call in an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also has a hotline you can call at (888) 426-4435 for advice.

Even with all of these resources, however, the best cure for food poisoning is preventing it in the first place. To give you an idea of what human foods can be dangerous, Stacker has put together a slideshow of 30 common foods to avoid. Take a look to see if there are any that surprise you.

Gallery Credit: Rachel Cavanaugh

Filed Under: Rockford News