The Knox County Health Department is reporting its first bird to test positive for the West Nile Virus. This is the second bird in the central Illinois region that has tested positive.
Health department officials say infected birds are one of the early signs the virus is in the area. They recommend reducing time outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, and wearing insect repellent with DEET to protect against mosquito bites.
Knox residents should contact the county health department if they see a sick or dying crow, blue jay or other perching bird between now and October.