1st Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In DuPage County For 2026

As of Tuesday, the DuPage County Health Department said the Personal Protection Index is 2 and a large number of mosquitos were infected.

By Lisa Marie Farver, Patch Staff

Sep 1, 2026 5:38 PM CDT

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — An adult resident has been confirmed to have DuPage County's first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) for the 2026 season. DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) did not share additional information about the patient as of Tuesday evening.

As of Aug. 28, Cook County had reported four human cases of WNV.

DCHD officials are advising residents to take precautions to protect themselves against WNV. They recommend:

Draining standing water
Using DEET insect repellant when outdoors
Dressing in clothes with long sleeves and pant legs that expose little skin
Being extra cautious after dusk and before dawn, when mosquitos are more active

Symptoms of WNV may include headaches, body aches, fever and nausea.

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