Health officials say this year's first patient with West Nile virus in Illinois is an adolescent girl who lives in St. Clair County.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported the case Wednesday. Health department Director Nirav Shah says the diagnosis is a good reminder to wear insect repellent and take other precautions.
Health officials also suggest staying indoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
West Nile virus can spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people won't have any symptoms. But the virus can cause fever, nausea and headaches. It can cause severe illness and death in rare cases.
Last year, state health officials reported 44 human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois, including four deaths.
