Deadly mosquito-borne virus claims first life in major US city as cases spread

A Chicago resident has died from West Nile virus, marking the city’s first death linked to the mosquito-borne illness this year, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.Several other cases have been reported throughout Illinois.The virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, although the disease cycle also includes infected birds.When mosquitoes feed on infected birds, they can pick up the virus and transmit it to humans.2 AIRPORT WORKERS ARE DEAD AFTER MALARIA CASES SHOCK OFFICIALS AT MAJOR TRAVEL HUB"2026 has seen the rainiest summer in Chicago in years, giving mosquitoes ample opportunities to breed," CDPH Commissioner Garth Walker said in a statement."The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to avoid mosquito bites and take measures to stop them from breeding around your home."A Chicago resident has died from West Nile virus, marking the city’s first death linked to the mosquito-borne illness this year, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health.

(iStock)In an attempt to prevent infections, the CDPH has sprayed insecticide in the following community areas: Beverly, Burnside, Chatham, East Garfield Park, the Lower West Side, Morgan Park, the Near West Side, North Lawndale, O'Hare, Pullman, Roseland, South Deering, Washington Heights, West Lawn and West Pullman.For most people, West Nile produces mild symptoms — such as fever, aches and rashes — or none at all, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.VACATION HOT SPOT FACES NEW CDC TRAVEL WARNING AS OUTBREAK CASES CONTINUE CLIMBINGIn rare serious cases, the virus invades the nervous system, causing meningitis, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), paralysis or death.People over 50 or those with compromised immune systems are at highest risk, experts caution.West Nile virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, although the disease cycle also includes infected birds.  (iSt...