Chicago just had its first West Nile death of the year. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Chicago health officials just reported the first death of 2026 due to the mosquito-borne disease West Nile Virus, signaling the threat that the pests pose even as summer winds down. The city has sprayed to kill mosquitoes in 15 communities so far this year. The threat of West Nile has ranged from moderate to very high this summer. The virus, also detected in the suburbs, can infect many people who may have mild flu-like symptoms or none at all. However, it can be deadly in older adults and…