Illinois Receives First Positive Test Of Bird This Year For West Nile Virus

Illinois’ Department of Public Health announced its first positive test of a bird for West Nile virus in the state this year.

Credit "Blue Jay" By Flickr User Robert Engberg / (CC X 2.0)

The Blue Jay was collected south of Champaign in Arcola Township last May.

Zika virus and West Nile are both transmitted by mosquitoes.

Common symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks.

However, four out of five people infected with the virus will not show any symptoms.

Last year, 64 counties in Illinois reported a West Nile virus positive mosquito batch, bird and/or human case.

Officials warn people to wear insect repellent and get rid of standing water around the home.

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