A deceased bird collected on May 31st, near Sterling, IL has tested positive for the West Nile virus according to Jennifer Kolb, Director of Environmental Health for the Whiteside County Health Department. Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds and can then spread West Nile virus to humans and other animals through their bite.
Culex mosquitoes are the primary vector responsible for spreading West Nile virus to humans. These mosquitoes are typically found near stagnant or standing water including barrels, horse troughs, ornamental ponds, unmaintained swimming pools, puddles, creeks, ditches, and marshy areas and are most likely to bite during dawn and dusk.
Typically August and September is when WNV activity is at its highest and the threat of West Nile exposure can remain until the first frost. As we begin to approach peak season for mosquito borne disease, it is important for the public to take some simple precautions including practicing the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.