The Department of Public Health said it has confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile virus.

The case in a southern Illinois resident is the earliest a case has been reported in the state since 2016. The individual has been hospitalized due to complications from the infection. (Health News Illinois]

“The fact that we are seeing the first human case of West Nile virus so early in the season serves as a timely reminder — especially for seniors and those with weakened immune systems — to protect yourself from illnesses caused by mosquito bites,” said agency Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.

The virus has been confirmed in 19 counties so far this year.

Last year, there were 69 confirmed human cases of the virus, including 13 deaths. It was the highest number of deaths since 17 human deaths recorded in 2018.

IDPH provides $2.8 million annually for local mosquito control efforts, including vector surveillance and control activities.

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