🦟 PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: DUPAGE COUNTY REPORTS FIRST WEST NILE DEATH OF 2026

🦟 PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT: DUPAGE COUNTY REPORTS FIRST WEST NILE DEATH OF 2026

DUPAGE COUNTY, IL — Mosquito season may feel like it's winding down, but health officials are warning residents not to drop their guard just yet.

The DuPage County Health Department confirmed October 6 that an adult resident has died from causes related to West Nile virus, marking the county's first West Nile-related death of 2026. Officials have not released the person's name, age, gender or municipality. DuPage County Health

So far this year, six human cases have been reported in DuPage County. In 2025, the county recorded 14 human cases, including one death. Statewide, this is reportedly the third West Nile-related death in Illinois in 2026, including one death in Chicago. DuPage County Health

🦟 YES, THE MOSQUITOES ARE STILL OUT HERE

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected bird and later bites a person.

Most infected people won't become noticeably sick. About 1 in 5, however, can develop symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. People over 60 and those with certain medical conditions have a greater risk of developing serious illness. DuPage County Health

And here's the part worth paying attention to: DuPage County's latest surveillance data lists its Personal Protection Index at Risk Level 3, with six human cases recorded for the season. DuPage County Health

So don't let October fool you.

Those mosquitoes apparently didn't get the memo that summer is over.

🚨 KNOW WHEN TO GET HELP

Health officials say symptoms including high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors warrant immediate medical attention.

There is currently no human vaccine to prevent West Nile virus and no specific medicine that treats the infection itself, making prevention especially important. DuPage County Health

Residents are being encouraged to remove standing water around their homes, repair damaged window and door screens and use an EPA-registered insect repellent outdoors.

Buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, clogged gutters and anything else holding stagnant water can become mosquito real estate.

💥 730 BOOM BOTTOM LINE

We know it's October.

We know you're thinking about hoodies, football and somebody putting pumpkin spice in things that never asked for it.

But mosquito season isn't necessarily finished just because the calendar says fall.

DuPage County has now recorded a death, and health officials are still monitoring West Nile activity.

Protect yourself, check on your older family members and dump that standing water.

Because apparently these mosquitoes are working overtime without anybody's permission. 🦟😒

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