McLean County has its first positive test for West Nile virus of the year.
The McLean County Health Department (MCHD) said Wednesday a mosquito pool collected east of Bloomington tested positive for the virus.
The positive mosquito pool is the first positive evidence of West Nile virus in the county this year, the department said.
McLean County is one of 17 counties in Illinois with confirmed West Nile activity. But there have been no reported human cases. Six birds and more than 1,300 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile as of Wednesday.
MCHD advises the public to limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn to limit exposure to mosquitos.
The department also recommends wearing protecting clothing, repairing and replacing worn screens on doors and windows, eliminating stagnant water and wearing insect repellent that contains DEET.
According to the department, West Nile virus can cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, though cases are rare. Mild cases can cause a slight fever or headache, but severe cases can lead to paralysis or death, particularly among high-risk populations.
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