West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes in Southern Illinois

POPE COUNTY, Ill., (KBSI) — A positive test for West Nile Virus has been confirmed in mosquitoes in Pope County, the Southern 7 Health Department announced Tuesday.

This is the third positive case of WNV in mosquitoes documented by the health department in 2025, following previous reports in Massac County on July 24 and Union County on July 30.

No human cases of WNV have been reported in the region this year.

To prevent contracting West Nile Virus, residents are encouraged to take precautions, including:

– Reducing standing water where mosquitoes can breed
– Repelling mosquitoes with insect repellent and wearing protective clothing
– Reporting locations with stagnant water to the local health department

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.