Lake County's First Human Case Of West Nile Virus In 2026 Reported

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Health Department confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus found in Lake County this year on Tuesday.

According to the health department, the Lake County resident was in their 40s, and they became ill in early August.

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"Our time spent outdoors typically increases during the summer months, which also increases our exposure to mosquitoes," said Christopher Hoff, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. "Remember to take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes to reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus."

If a person is infected with West Nile virus, they can develop a fever or a mild headache. Severe symptoms can include a rapid onset of a high fever with head and body aches, disorientation, tremors and convulsions.

According to the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District, in the most severe cases, paralysis or death may occur. Those who are 50 years of age or older are at the highest risk for serious illness. Symptoms typically occur within three to 14 days after the bite from an infected mosquito.

Culex pipiens mosquitoes are the primary carriers of West Nile virus and they typically breed in stagnant water. Items like buckets, gutters, plant containers and kiddie pools can be prime areas for these insects to lay their eggs.

To minimize mosquito bites, residents should:

• use an EPA-registered insect repellent
• wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk
• examine their property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.

The health department's Communicable Disease and Environmental Health programs work together to conduct mosquito and tick surveillance, investigate human cases and educate the public. Residents can view the health department's online data hub to see the latest findings.

So far in 2026, 136 of 572 batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus. The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District says the risk level remains low, but this time of year is usually when activity spikes.