McLean County has its first positive test for West Nile Virus this year.
The mosquito-borne disease was detected in a dead crow in Normal in the 61761 ZIP code.
The McLean County Health Department (MCHD) plans to go door-to-door in the area near where the bird was found to share information about symptoms and preventative measures.
West Nile Virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, according to the health department. Symptoms may not develop for up to two weeks after the infection.
“Adults 50 years of age or older and people with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing severe symptoms,” said Angie Crawford, MCHD senior environmental health practitioner. “If symptoms become severe enough to seek medical attention it is important to let medical staff know of any mosquito bite in the past 14 days so they can test for West Nile Virus.”
MCHD notes crows and robins often carry and disease and mosquitos that feed on the infected birds can spread the virus when they bite humans or other animals.
The Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH\ has reported one human case of West Nile so far this year. The state reports 48 counties have positive cases of humans, birds, mosquitoes and/or horses.
IDPH reported 119 human cases and six West Nile-related deaths last year.
