July 17, 2025
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Mosquitos test positive for West Nile virus in Kankakee County

By Shaw Local News Network
Lauren Belville of the Kendall County Health Department uses tweezers to place a mosquito into a vial to be tested for the West Nile virus on Aug. 16, 2023.

Lauren Belville of the Kendall County Health Department uses tweezers to place a mosquito into a vial to be tested for the West Nile virus on Aug. 16, 2023. (Mark Foster)

The first group of mosquitos to test positive for West Nile virus in Kankakee County has been confirmed, according to a news release from the Kankakee County Health Department.

The mosquitos were collected from a trap, according to the release.

For the 2025 season so far, Illinois Department Public Health has reported 30 WNV positive counties, according to the release.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of the Culex pipiens mosquito, commonly called the northern house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird, according to the release.

Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks, according to the release.

However, four out of five people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. In rare cases, severe illness or even death can occur, according to the release.

People older than 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus, according to the release.

Additional information about WNV can be found on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website at dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/west-nile-virus