LODA, Ill. (WAND) – A bird infected with the West Nile virus was found in Iroquois County, investigators report.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department says the bird in question was crow. They found it on Aug. 27 in Loda and ran positive tests for the virus.
ICPHD is reminding people to take steps that can reduce the West Nile risk. People are asked to remove water-holding containers outdoors and fill in low places were standing water can building in an effort to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Rainwater should be removed from boats and trash containers, along with other areas where it can sit.
Terry Eimen, the county’s director of environmental health, says people should wear repellant, avoid places and times when mosquitoes are likely to bite and wear clothing that can product from bites.
“The season for West Nile virus will not be over until the weather is much cooler and mosquito larvae are not capable of development,” Eimen said. “If we have rain in the next few weeks and the temperatures stay elevated, we still have the potential for further mosquito crop development.”
