WASHINGTON, Ill. – Officials in Tazewell County say a bird collected has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The county health department says the bird was found in Washington on August 21st and sent to a state lab for testing.
West Nile Virus is spread to birds through the bite of an infected mosquito, with the health department saying other mosquitoes can bite the infected bird and transfer the virus to humans.
Mild symptoms of the virus include slight fever or headache, with body aches, disorientation, and tremors in more severe cases.
The health department says people can protect themselves against mosquitoes by eliminating areas of standing water, using insect repellent, and long sleeved clothes and long pants.
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