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First Illinois Bird With West Nile Virus Found
The first bird testing positive for West Nile virus in Illinois was found in LaSalle County. According to Melaney Arnold, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Public Health, the crow was found June 1st in Lostant.

Arnold also says that some mosquito batches found in Cook County have also tested positive for West Nile.

In 2008, 28 of the states 102 counties were found to have a West Nile positive, bird, horse, or human. A total of 20 human cases were reported last year with one death.

Surveillance for West Nile began May 1st and will continue through the summer.

According to IDPH only about two in 10 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness. Persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

IDPH offers these tips to avoid contracting West Nile:

* Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.

* When outdoors wear long sleeve shirts, pants and socks and apply an insect repellant that contains DEET.

* Check your window screens to make sure there are no tears or other openings.

* Eliminate all sources of standing water.

Citizens who observe a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin or other perching bird should contact their local health department.

For more details, CLICK HERE.

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 05 09 by Newsroom
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