TAZEWELL COUNTY, Ill. – For the first time this year, the West Nile virus has been found in Tazewell County.
The Tazewell County Health Department says in a statement released Monday that the virus was found in a mosquito pool in Pekin earlier this month. The virus was found in Peoria County for the first time last month.
The virus is transmitted through a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird. Symptoms of the virus include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. Those who are 60 or older or have weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.
“West Nile virus can cause serious illness in some people. It is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, like wearing insect repellent and getting rid of stagnant water around your home,” said Environmental Health Director, Melissa Goetze.
The county says people can protect themselves by wearing protective clothing, removing standing water where mosquitoes can breed, and by reporting locations where water has been sitting stagnant for more than a week.
