COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) - The first West Nile death in Illinois for 2025 has been reported in Cook County. Cook County Department of Public Health confirmed the first human West Nile virus-related death, a suburban Cook County resident in their 60s. Laboratory testing confirmed West Nile virus was a contributing factor to the resident’s death. West Nile virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds. The first human case in the state for 2025 was reported in June. Since May 11, through Sept. 6, suburban Cook County has recorded 33 cases of West Nile Virus, about twice the number of cases from last year. Most cases of West Nile virus infection have either mild or no symptoms and may go unrepo

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