Knox County has its first confirmed West Nile Virus case of the season, with a mosquito sample from Henderson Township testing positive on Sept. 19 during routine surveillance, the Knox County Health Department announced today.
Environmental Health Supervisor Sarah Willett stressed the importance of action, saying, “This is a reminder for residents to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” as activity is expected to persist through fall. The Illinois Department of Public Health reports 68 counties affected, with 79 human cases and one death statewide in 2025.
To reduce risk, the Health Department recommends the three “R’s:
- Reduce exposure by avoiding dusk-to-dawn outdoor time, using intact screens, wearing long sleeves in wooded areas, and removing standing water.
- Repel with DEET or similar repellents (consult a doctor for infants)
- Report stagnant water sites like ditches for possible larvicide treatment.
More information is available at www.knoxcountyhealth.org or by calling (309) 344-2224.