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Lake County, Ill. — The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center is reporting the first human case of neuroinvasive West Nile virus in Lake County for 2026. A Lake County resident in their 40s became ill in early August.
“Our time spent outdoors typically increases during the summer months, which also increases our exposure to mosquitoes,” said Christopher Hoff, Executive Director of the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center. “Remember to take steps to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes to reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus.”
The Health Department's Communicable Disease and Environmental Health programs work together to conduct mosquito and tick surveillance, investigate human cases, and educate the public to prevent bites and reduce exposure. Residents can visit the Health Department's new Communicable Disease Data Hub to view Lake County's mosquito surveillance data and vector-borne disease case counts by year.
"We encourage residents to visit the new Vector-Borne disease dashboard as we continue further into the mosquito season," said Dr. Sana Ahmed, Medical Advisor and Prevention Medical Director at the Lake County Health Department. "Staying informed can help determine the risk for contracting the virus and take necessary precautions."
So far in 2026, 136 out of 572 batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus. West Nile virus typically peaks in late summer, usually from July through September, when the mosquito population is at its peak.
Follow the “4 Ds of Defense” to protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes:
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Drain: Drain standing water from items around your home, yard, and business.
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Defend: When outdoors, use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, or IR3535 and reapply according to label directions.
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Dawn to Dusk: Protect yourself all day and night, and wear repellent outdoors during these prime times for mosquito activity.
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Dress: Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes when outdoors to cover your skin.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms of illness. However, some may become ill, usually three to 15 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. These symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, the virus can affect the brain or spinal cord (e.g., encephalitis or meningitis), leading to serious neurological symptoms such as stiff neck, confusion, sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble walking, or even death. People older than 60 years and individuals with weakened immune systems and/or multiple medical conditions are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
Find more prevention tips and information on West Nile virus at www.FightTheBiteNow.com. Residents can also call the Health Department’s West Nile hotline to report areas of stagnant water, report locations of dead birds, and obtain more information on the signs and symptoms of West Nile virus. The West Nile hotline number is (847) 377-8300.
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