West Nile Virus found in Southern Illinois mosquitoes

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS (KBSI) — Health officials have confirmed the first positive case of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in southern Illinois this year.

The Southern 7 Health Department said the infected mosquitoes were collected from traps set in Massac County. No human cases of the virus have been reported in the region so far this year.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and can cause symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. In rare cases, severe illness including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death can occur.

Residents are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites by practicing the “three R’s”: reduce, repel, and report.

– Reduce: eliminate standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed, and keep doors and windows shut.
– Repel: wear protective clothing and apply insect repellent when outdoors.
– Report: notify local authorities of areas with stagnant water that may be breeding mosquitoes.