Illinois is recording its first death this year from West Nile virus. The state health department says the patient was a Kankakee resident who died earlier this month from the mosquito-borne illness.
There have been 37 cases of West Nile reported so far this year in Illinois. Last year saw 155 human cases of West Nile, including six deaths.
State health director Dr. Nirav Shah says it's still important for people to use insect repellent and to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, even though the season is winding down.