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Knox County Has West Nile
FIRST REPORTED 10:36am 8/13/12 It could be considered a little late in coming this year, but a virus often transmitted from mosquitos has been found in Knox County.

Knox County Health Department Health Protection Director Monica Hendrickson says a dead crow discovered August first in Knox County has tested positive for the disease. She says the state confirmed that to the health department Monday morning.

Hendrickson tells WGIL while you should be on alert, it's not really a big deal yet.

"The season is starting to wind down," Hendrickson said. "Think of it as the positive bird just reiterates the fact that West Nile virus is now apparent in this part of Illinois, and this part of the country. It's primarily focused in mosquitoes and birds. Once in a awhile it will jump over to mosquitoes and horses."

Hendrickson says the best thing people can do is to simply protect themselves from mosquitoes, especially at dawn and dusk -- things like wearing long clothing, wearing mosquito repellant containing DEET, and reporting any dead birds to the Knox County Health Department.

Testing started in May and continues through mid-October. Warren, Henderson, and Peoria Counties have already had positive West Nile tests, but none in humans outside of Chicago.
08 14 12 by Newsroom
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