The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed the first case of West Nile Virus this year in the state. State officials said that a teen in west-central Illinois became very severely ill last month.
According to Melody Arnold, of the Illinois Department of Public Health, this first case is earlier in the year than normal.
West Nile Virus is transmitted though mosquito bites. The best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent when participating in outdoor activities. It’s symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle pains.