The Miller-Hunt Virology Lab at Western Illinois University confirmed that pools of mosquitoes in Macomb and Colchester have tested positive for the West Nile virus.
Chris Adams of the McDonough County Health Department said the virus has not been found in any residents but the risk does exist.
“The virus is primarily susceptible to the young or the elderly. A healthy individual might play it off as just like ‘Oh I didn’t feel well for a couple days’ kind of thing. But yeah, that could possibly be an indicator that you need to see your doctor,” Adams said.
Adams said the West Nile virus can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms, headache, fatigue, and upper-body rash.
A news release from the McDonough County Health Department advised residents to follow the three R’s of mosquito safety:
- REDUCE exposure by making sure doors and windows are sealed tightly and eliminating areas of standing water where mosquitoes could breed.
- REPEL mosquitoes by wearing insect repellant that contains DEET (at least 25% DEET for adults, 10% for children).
- REPORT dead birds or areas of stagnant water to your local government.
More information on the West Nile virus can be found here.
