2 Aurora Residents Are 1st To Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Kane County This Year

AURORA, IL — Two Aurora residents are the first confirmed human cases of the West Nile virus this year in Kane County, the health department said last week.

Health officials said both people developed the "more serious, neuroinvasive form" of the virus and had to be hospitalized.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito, more commonly known as a house mosquito. They become infected when they feed on birds carrying the virus.

There were five human cases last year and four in 2024, officials said.

"These cases are a reminder that West Nile virus is present in our community and that mosquito bite prevention remains important throughout the remainder of the mosquito season," Michael Isaacson said in a statement. "While most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, the virus can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and people with weakened immune systems."

The Kane County Health Department conducts ongoing mosquito surveillance to monitor and reduce the spread of West Nile virus.

The health department shared the following tips to avoid mosquito bites. Since there is no specific treatment or vaccine to prevent the West Nile virus, preventing bites is the best preventative measure.

• Use insect repellent. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol according to label directions.
• Wear protective clothing. When outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes.
• Eliminate standing water. Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, children's pools, pet dishes, tires and other containers at least once a week.
• Maintain screens. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair any holes or tears.
• Keep grass and weeds trimmed. Mosquitoes can use vegetation around homes as resting areas.

Most people infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five people develop a fever and other symptoms, including headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea or rashes. Few people develop severe illness that can affect the brain and nervous system, including encephalitis or meningitis.