A mosquito pool in Peoria County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The Peoria City/County Health Department says says this means West Nile Virus is actively circulating in the region.
Mosquitoes feeding on infected birds transmit the virus to humans. Four out of five people infected will not show symptoms, but in rare cases the virus can lead to more serious illness or death. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches.
Residents are encouraged to take preventative measures including reducing outdoor exposure between dusk and dawn, eliminating or reporting stagnant water locations, and wearing insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or IR 3535.
Health officials warn dead birds can harbor the virus, and are asking the public to report bird deaths. Residents should wear gloves and double wrap dead birds in garbage before calling the Peoria City/County Health Department at 309-679-6161.
Positive West Nile Virus samples have also been reported in McLean and Fulton counties.
