1st Human West Nile Virus Case In DuPage County Reported In Woodridge

WOODRIDGE, IL —A Woodridge resident who is in their 60s is the first human case of the West Nile Virus reported in DuPage County in 2023, according to health department officials.

As a result, the DuPage County Health Department is encouraging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites. Some preventive measures they suggest include:

• Eliminating standing water
• Report public places where you spot standing water
• Sealing window screens tightly to prevent mosquito entry
• Using insect repellant that has DEET in it, IR 3535 or oil of lemon and eucalyptus
• Wearing socks, shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors

Symptoms of West Nile Virus can include a fever, headache, joint pains, a rash and vomiting.

Will County reported that its first human WNV case hospitalized a Naperville man in his 70s in late August. They added that the man had recovered.