1st West Nile Virus Death Of 2025 Reported In DuPage County

DUPAGE COUNTY — An 80-year-old DuPage County resident recently died of West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first human death related to WNV in the county in 2025.

The person became infected with WNV in August, according to DuPage County Health Department (DCHD). The first human case of West Nile in DuPage County was reported in Glen Ellyn in July. Since then, there have been 11 confirmed WNV cases in the county.

"We sadly confirm the first West Nile virus death in DuPage County for 2025," DCHD Executive Director Adam Forker said in a statement.

Forker added, "Please protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites by taking necessary precautions."

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

Residents who are over 60 and are immunocompromised are at a greater risk, per DCHD. Symptoms of West Nile Virus may include headaches, body aches, fever and nausea.