Chicago reports first West Nile virus death of 2026 after rainy summer
The Chicago Department of Public Health confirmed the city's first two human West Nile cases of 2026, including one death. Officials tied heavy summer rains to more mosquito breeding and sprayed 15 community areas. Fox News and city health releases reported the update.
CHICAGO - A Chicago resident has died of West Nile virus, marking the city's first death and first two confirmed human cases of 2026, the Chicago Department of Public Health said in a release covered by Fox News.
Illinois health officials also confirmed additional cases elsewhere in the state. CDPH Commissioner Dr. Garth Walker said 2026 brought one of Chicago's rainiest summers in years, giving mosquitoes more places to breed. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra called the death a reminder that West Nile can turn severe in older adults and people with chronic or immune-compromising conditions.
West Nile is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Chicago and across the United States. Most people who are infected have no symptoms. About one in five develop fever and flu-like illness. A smaller share develop neuroinvasive disease that can inflame the brain or spinal cord.
CDPH said it has treated tens of thousands of catch basins with larvicide, tests mosquitoes for the virus and sprayed adulticide when needed. Over recent weeks the city sprayed in 15 community areas, including Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, East Garfield Park, the Lower West Side, Morgan Park, the Near West Side, North Lawndale, O'Hare, Pullman, Roseland, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Lawn and West Pullman.
Preliminary CDC figures cited in coverage counted hundreds of U.S. human cases this year nationwide, including severe neuroinvasive illness and dozens of deaths across multiple states. Illinois recorded 150 human cases and 10 deaths in 2025, state figures show.
Officials urge EPA-registered insect repellent, long sleeves at dusk and dawn, intact door and window screens, and prompt reporting of stagnant water. People with sudden fever, severe headache, confusion or muscle weakness after mosquito exposure should seek medical care and mention possible West Nile.
Go Deeper
How many Chicago cases were confirmed?
Two human cases in the city so far in 2026, including one death, according to CDPH.
Who is at highest risk?
Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions and those with weakened immune systems.
Why is this summer a concern?
City officials said heavy rains created more mosquito breeding sites across Chicago.
Can West Nile spread person to person easily?
It spreads mainly through mosquito bites, not casual person-to-person contact.
What should homeowners do this week?
Dump standing water, repair screens, use repellent outdoors at dusk and dawn, and call a clinician for fever after bites if you are older or chronically ill.
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