McLean County has its first positive test for West Nile virus this year. The county health department said a dead bird tested positive for the virus in the 61705 area code west of Bloomington.
The virus can cause brain inflammation and other serious symptoms. One man in the Chicago area has died from West Nile so far this year. People over the age of 50 are at risk of more severe cases of the disease.
“Regular mosquito and bird surveillance allows public health officials to track the presence of West Nile virus in McLean County. As disease-carrying mosquitoes become more active, the risk of human exposure and infection also increases,” said Tom Anderson, director of MCHD’s Division of Environmental Health. “To prevent human cases of the virus, we recommend that everyone in McLean County take bite control measures.”
The health department said measures to prevent mosquito bites include reducing standing water near homes, using insect repellent and wearing clothing that covers the skin, especially at dusk and dawn.
Mosquitoes need stagnant water to breed. According to the health department, it can take less than a week for the eggs to hatch into larvae and develop into biting adults.
The health department asked McLean County residents who find dead birds around their property to contact the department so the birds can be tested for the virus. A group of 5 or more dead birds could be a sign of bird flu, the health department said.
The West Nile season in Illinois lasts until the weather gets cold enough to kill the mosquitoes that carry the virus.