Illinois and Wisconsin Report First Deaths from West Nile in 2024

Even as the weather slowly turns cool, mosquitos, along with the spread of disease, is still a concern for Tri-State residents. This concern might've risen a tick after news broke from both Illinois and Wisconsin public health officials that both states saw their first deaths from West Nile virus within the last week.

Two deaths from West Nile virus have been reported in Wisconsin, along with one in Illinois, the first deaths in those respective states this year.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that it has received reports of 18 deaths from West Nile across the United States this year. To compare, there were 182 West Nile deaths in 2023. While the numbers are lower for this time period than last year, those numbers could rise after another review.

The Wisconsin residents diagnosed with West Nile virus were those in Outagamie, Fond du Lac, and Brown counties. The two deaths in Wisconsin were also the first human cases of the virus this year.

The lone Illinois case involved a person in their 80s who lived in Lake County, the Illinois Depart of Public Health revealed in a recent statement. Nine other West Nile cases have been reported in the following counties this year:

• Cook County
• DuPage County
• Will County
• Winnebago County
• Tazewell County

Cumulatively, the CDC has received reports of 289 West Nile cases in 33 states for 2024. 195 of those cases have been classified as neuroinvasive, in which case, the virus invades the brain and nervous system. As a result, this could cause brain swelling, brain damage, and even death in those affected.

Somewhat alarmingly, there is no vaccine nor specific treatment for West Nile, which is spread via a bite from an infected mosquito. Most cases, however, are pretty mild and reminiscent of the flu, sometimes coupled with a rash. Roughly 1,000 Americans are hospitalized each year in severe cases. Some cases are never identified because the symptoms are so mild, or even nonexistent.

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West Nile virus is most prevalent in August and September. Reducing exposure to mosquitos is the best and most effective way to combat an infection, and if one knows they'll be in an area with mosquitos, the CDC recommends using insect repellant and wearing long pants/sleeves.

Read more about the recent West Nile virus deaths in Illinois and Wisconsin on CNN's website. You can also view active data of West Nile cases across the country on the CDC's website.