A DuPage County adult has died from West Nile virus after a summer of heightened mosquito activity across the Downers Grove area.
The DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) announced the death on Tuesday, Oct. 6, calling it the county's first West Nile-related death of 2026. The department did not release the person's age, hometown or health history. Six human West Nile cases have been reported in DuPage County so far this year.
Mosquito traps in Downers Grove tested positive for the virus multiple times in August, with positive results trending upward in surrounding communities, according to a Village of Downers Grove notice. That prompted a community-wide spray on Aug. 12. Westmont also ran mosquito control applications through its contractor, Clarke Mosquito Management, including a spray on Sept. 4, according to a village alert.
"We are deeply saddened to share news of the first West Nile virus-related death in DuPage County this year," DCHD Executive Director Adam Forker said in the Oct. 6 release. He urged residents to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.
There is no vaccine for West Nile.
About one in five people infected develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, the health department said. Adults over 60 and those with conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or organ transplants face higher risk of serious illness.
The infected-mosquito pool rate stood at 13% for the week of Sept. 21–27, according to the DCHD's Oct. 6 release. Last year, DuPage County recorded 14 human West Nile cases and one related death.
The DCHD urged residents to follow its "three Rs" strategy. Reduce mosquitoes by removing standing water from outdoor containers and keeping doors and windows screened. Repel them with federally registered insect repellent. Report areas where water collects for more than a week through the DCHD website.
Anyone experiencing high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors should seek immediate medical attention, the department said.
The DCHD updates its Personal Protection Index, a zero-to-three scale tracking West Nile activity, every Wednesday at 3 p.m. through October. Residents can check the current level at dupagehealth.org.
