Illinois West Nile Virus Update: Midwestern State Records First Human Case

State officials have confirmed that the first human case of West Nile virus in Illinois this year happens to be of an adolescent.

Authorities from the Illinois Department of Public Health said on Monday that the first case of West Nile virus this year was discovered in Illinois. A teenager became ill last month, and this is the first human case of 2016, The Chicago Tribune reported.

"This first human case is much earlier this year, reminding us that it's important to protect ourselves against mosquito bites now and not wait until the hotter months of summer," public health department director Nirav D. Shah mentioned to the website in a released statement.

The last human case of West Nile virus confirmed was on August 19 last year, and after that, 76 other cases arisen. 9 out of the 77 died due to the severe affection.

Officials also ask that residents alert their local health department of any sources of standing water, like roadside ditches and flooded yards, or if they observe sick or dying crows, blue jays or robins.

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. One can reduce the risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection.

Symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Severe symptoms and signs may include stiff neck, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, and paralysis. 

About 1 in 5 people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1% of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness, according to Mayo Clinic.

In more severe cases, the illness also can develop into encephalitis or meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain or the protective membranes surrounding the brain. People older than 50 and with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to experiencing severe symptoms from West Nile infection.