Additional Mosquito Batches Test Positive for West Nile Virus in DeKalb County, IL.
July 6, 2026FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Additional Mosquito Batches Test Positive for West Nile Virus in DeKalb County, IL.
The DeKalb County Health Department is reporting that additional mosquito batches collected through routine surveillance have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The most recent positive mosquito batches were collected in Sandwich, Genoa, and Sycamore. At this time, no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in DeKalb County.
WNV is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on infected birds. While positive mosquito batches indicate that the virus is present in the community, not all mosquitoes carry WNV.
Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. However, some individuals may become ill within three to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms are usually mild and may include fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and occasionally a skin rash. Adults over the age of 50 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk for developing severe illness.
The DCHD encourages all residents to take the following precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites:
- Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, shoes, and socks when outdoors, particularly during peak mosquito activity.
- Use an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the product label. Consult a healthcare provider before using insect repellent on infants.
- Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair any holes or tears to help keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Remove standing water around your property by emptying containers such as buckets, toys, birdbaths, and garbage cans at least once a week, as these can serve as mosquito breeding sites.
DCHD will continue mosquito surveillance throughout the season and encourages residents to take preventive measures to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne illness.
For additional information, check the DeKalb County Health Department website at https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/nuisance-complaints/ To learn more about the many programs and services of the Health Department, visit https://health.dekalbcounty.org/ or follow us on social media.