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Illinois Reports First West Nile Virus Death of the Year, in Chicago
Health officials say 80% of West Nile infections cause no symptoms as Chicago reports its first two human cases and first death of 2026.
- On Tuesday, the Chicago Department of Public Health announced the city's first two human West Nile virus cases of 2026, with one patient confirmed dead.
- CDPH Commissioner Garth Walker attributed the surge to weather, stating, "2026 has seen the rainiest summer in Chicago in years," which created ample breeding opportunities for mosquitoes.
- While most infected individuals remain asymptomatic, about one in five develop fever and flu-like symptoms. Severe illness occurs in roughly one in 150 cases, disproportionately affecting older adults and the immunocompromised.
- Spraying insecticide in 15 community areas in recent weeks, the department also recommends wearing protective clothing and using EPA-registered repellent to "Fight the Bite."
- Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra reports additional cases statewide. The state recorded 150 human cases last year, significantly fewer than the 2002 record of 884 cases.
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Chicago Sun TimesReposted by 
Usa news site
Usa news siteChicagoan dies of West Nile virus
<p>A Chicagoan has died from West Nile, and is among the first two human cases this year, the city's department of health announced Tuesday.</p><p>The Illinois Department of Public Health has also confirmed <a class="Link" href="https://click.citynews.chicago.gov/?qs=ABB7InYiOjEsImQiOjQ5ODZ9AAoAAAAABFAGA5vqmku_wt80yYdbVlWvrJxn0c6P6c7XpNj7ZiyHqxcLpg9Ozws_EUPMtStyu_QSl1zsDV4e_-tupmdohZ7_ekX08A3DpXKapQ" target="_blank" >several additional cases</a>…
·Chicago, United States
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Chicago Tribune+4 Reposted by 4 other sources
Illinois reports first West Nile virus death of the year, in Chicago
A person in Chicago has died of West Nile virus, marking Illinois’ first death from the illness so far this year, health officials announced Tuesday afternoon.
·Chicago, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution73% Center
Bias Distribution
- 73% of the sources are Center
73% Center
L 18%
C 73%
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