The Cook County Department of Public Health has confirmed the first human death linked to West Nile virus in suburban Cook County and Illinois this year.

Officials said the resident, who was in their 60s, died after laboratory testing confirmed West Nile virus was a contributing factor.

Since the start of the monitoring season on May 11, Cook County has recorded 33 human cases of West Nile virus, nearly double last year’s total. Of those, 22 have been neuroinvasive, meaning the central nervous system was affected. Last year, suburban Cook County reported 19 cases and five deaths.

“This year’s first death from West Nile virus in Illinois is a sobering reminder that mosquito-borne illnesses are still with us,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Sameer Vohra in a statement.

Park Forest Recreation, Parks & Community Health Recreation Manager Adina McCollough said news of the death is a reminder that the community must remain vigilant.

“This hits close to home,” McCollough said. “But now is not the time to be scared—it’s the time to be prepared.”

West Nile virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which typically contract the virus by feeding on infected birds. Although most people infected never develop symptoms, some may experience mild illness, such as fever, rash, headache or body aches. Severe cases can result in high fever, confusion, muscle weakness or inflammation of the brain, which can be fatal.

McCollough urged residents to follow prevention tips shared by health officials.

“We want our residents to enjoy the outdoors safely,” she said. “That means wearing insect repellent, avoiding being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and draining any standing water around your home so mosquitoes can’t breed.”

Cook County health officials recommend additional precautions, such as repairing torn screens and reporting stagnant water to local authorities.

“As long as mosquitoes are flying around, people are at risk,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of the Cook County Department of Public Health. “Everyone should take steps to protect themselves, especially seniors, who are at greater risk for severe illness and death.”

Last year, Illinois reported 69 human cases of West Nile virus, including 13 fatalities.

For more prevention tips, visit the Cook County Department of Public Health’s “Fight the Bite” campaign.