McLean County’s first mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), with the sample confirmed on July 7, 2025. The infected area is located in the 61705 zip code. To inform residents, health department staff began distributing informational materials, including doorknob hangers, in the neighborhood where the sample was collected.
The Culex mosquito is the primary carrier of WNV, which can cause severe symptoms such as high fever, disorientation, and paralysis or death if left untreated. Those at highest risk for serious illness include young children, adults over 50, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Public health officials note that while most cases result in mild symptoms like a slight fever or headache, prompt medical attention is essential. Health officials recommend consulting a doctor immediately after experiencing any recent mosquito bites and informing them of the incident.
In Illinois, WNV has been linked to a significant number of fatalities. In 2024, 69 confirmed cases were reported, with 13 deaths, marking the highest fatality count since 2018. Residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses by consulting public health guidelines and reporting any suspected cases to their local authorities.
Source: https://foxillinois.com/newsletter-daily/first-mosquito-pool-to-test-positive-for-west-nile-virus-in-mclean-county-07-09-2025