The Jasper County Health Department has reported the detection of the first West Nile virus batch of mosquitos in that county this week. The positive pool was collected on Tuesday and confirmed later by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Mosquitos carrying the disease were also reported earlier this summer in Wayne County and in Vanderburgh County (Indiana) this week.
West Nile virus is spread through mosquito bites after they feed on infected birds. Most people bitten by infected mosquitos experience mild symptoms such as fever and body aches, but serious illness can occur in, especially in hose over the age of 50.
The IDPH recommends wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors and using insect repellent containing DEET to ward off the insects. It is also recommended that standing water areas such as bird baths and old tires be drained to prevent breeding.
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