MORTON, Ill. – The Tazewell County Health Department says a bird found has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
It’s the county’s first bird this season to test positive for the disease that can then be transferred to mosquitoes. The bird, officials say, was found earlier in the month in Morton then tested.
The Health Department is sounding the alarm because people can still get infected with the disease from a carrying mosquito. They urge residents to remove standing water from their properties, make sure doors and windows have good screens, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdors, or use mosquito repellant containing DEET.
Testing for West Nile is done annually from mid-May through mid-October.
