SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile this season in Illinois. A positive mosquito batch was collected May 31 from River Forest and another was found June 5 in Evanston. No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far this year.
“While we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, we must also remember to take steps to protect our health from other illnesses,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Getting outdoors is a great way to combat being cooped up, but you need to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home.”
Monitoring for West Nile virus includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms. People who see a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird should contact their local health department, which will determine if the bird will be picked up for testing.
