4 years, 7 months ago by Scott Hardy
Sample of mosquitoes collected Wednesday in Quincy
Adams County has seen its' first case of West Nile Virus for 2019.
The Adams County Health Department Thursday says that its' confirmed the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Adams County for 2019. A statement says that Health Department staff collected mosquitoes testing positive Wednesday in Quincy. Health Department Environmental Health Supervisor Tony Dede says that the weather is still warm and favorable for West Nile virus activity. He adds it's still important to take precautions to protect yourself by wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home. West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a house mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks.
The Health Department says that monitoring for West Nile virus in Illinois includes laboratory tests for mosquito batches, dead crows, blue jays, robins and other perching birds, as well as testing sick horses and humans with West Nile virus-like symptoms. If you see a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird, you should contact your local health department, and they'll determine if the bird will be picked up for testing.
