Mosquitoes in LaSalle County test positive for West Nile virus

A batch of mosquitos in Marseilles has tested positive for West Nile virus. The LaSalle County Health Department says the mosquitoes were collected on June 2nd and Environmental Health staff confirmed the cases through different tests at the health department. Director of Environmental Health Jennifer Osborn says the best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent, and get rid of any stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed. It’s also a good idea to wear long clothing outside in areas with a lot of vegetation where mosquitoes could be. Symptoms of West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches. People over sixty years old or have weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for the disease. The health department monitors the virus through dead birds like crows, blue jays, and robins. If you find one of the dead birds, and it doesn’t have any other obvious injury, call the health department at 815-433-3366.