Mosquitoes in Southern Illinois test positive for West Nile virus

KBSI FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

ULLIN, Ill., (KBSI) — The Southern 7 Health Department (S7HD) has confirmed a positive test for West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in the southern seven-county region of Illinois.

This marks the fourth positive mosquito sample reported in the region this year, health officials said. No human cases of the virus have been reported in 2025.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people do not develop symptoms, the virus can cause fever, headache, body aches, joint pain and, in severe cases, neurological illness.

S7HD urges residents to reduce their risk by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes breed.

For more information, visit Southern 7 Health Department’s website.