Chicago records first West Nile virus death of 2026 as health officials intensify mosquito control

A Chicago resident has died from West Nile virus, marking the city’s first fatal case linked to the mosquito-borne illness this year, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health. The department said the death follows a rainy summer that has created extensive mosquito breeding grounds.

CDPH Commissioner Garth Walker said the unusually wet summer gave mosquitoes ample opportunities to breed and urged residents to avoid bites and eliminate standing water around their homes. In response, the department has applied insecticide in 15 community areas, including Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, East Garfield Park, the Lower West Side, Morgan Park, Near West Side, North Lawndale, O'Hare, Pullman, Roseland, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Lawn and West Pullman.

The virus is typically transmitted when an infected mosquito bites a person, after the mosquito acquires the virus from infected birds. Most infections cause mild or no symptoms, but about 20% to 25% develop flu-like illness, and a small fraction can progress to severe neuroinvasive disease such as meningitis or encephalitis.

"For the flu-like symptoms, generally speaking, if you're not over the age of 65 and you're not immunocompromised, you don't have to go to the emergency room," said Dr. Tyler Evans, an infectious-diseases specialist.

"If you are over the age of 65 or have immunocompromising conditions and experience confusion, severe headache, stiff neck or other neurological signs, seek emergency care immediately," Evans added.

Health officials recommend personal protection measures, including using repellents with at least 30% DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, staying indoors at dusk and dawn, and ensuring window screens are intact. Eliminating standing water in containers such as buckets, tires and gutters can also reduce mosquito breeding.

Nationally, the CDC reports 407 human West Nile cases this year, including 285 neuroinvasive infections and 23 deaths, with most cases occurring in August and September.