Dengue Warning

FILE - This 2003 photo provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Aedes albopictus mosquito acquiring a blood meal from a human host. Dengue, a tropical illness caused by a virus, is spread by Aedes mosquitos, a type of warm weather insect that is expanding its geographic reach because of climate change, experts say. (James Gathany/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via AP, File)

 James Gathany

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) - Christian County has their first West Nile Virus positive mosquito sample of the 2025 season.

Mosquitoes collected on June 16 in Pana were tested by Environmental Health staff in the laboratory at the Christian County Health Department, where the confirmatory analysis was conducted.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a county is considered positive for West Nile Virus when a mosquito, bird, horse, or human tests positive for the virus.

There have been no human cases of West Nile Virus in the state in the 2025 season. 

Dr. Chad Anderson, Public Health Administrator, said, “It’s important to take simple steps to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus. Using insect repellent, removing any forms of standing water, and trying to avoid outdoor activity at peak mosquito hours can significantly reduce your risk.” He adds, “Public health is about prevention, and these actions truly make a difference.”

The Christian County Health Department will continue to monitor and test mosquitoes for West Nile Virus.

Reducing mosquito breeding areas can help reduce your chance of contacting this virus. If you have any questions regarding West Nile Virus or any disease vectors, contact your local health department.

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