Peoria County reported finding its first West Nile Virus positive bird of 2014.
The West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that fed on an infected bird.
Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks and include fever, nausea, headaches, and muscle aches. People older than fifty are at higher risk of severe illness.
Area residents are encouraged to protect their health by reducing outdoor activities and eliminating standing water in order to avoid mosquito bites. Dead birds such as crows, blue jays and robins should be reported to the Peoria City/County Health Department for testing.