Illinois detects its first case of West Nile virus

This year's arrival of West Nile virus has occurred in Illinois. 

On Wednesday, the Illinois Department of Public Health said it discovered its first confirmed virus case from a sample collected in Douglas County south of Champaign near the Indiana border.

Officials said this case is earlier in the year than usual due to a mild winter. 

People should start protecting themselves or their horses. Horses can get a vaccination. 

Contact your local health department for potential testing if you come across a sick or dead crow, blue jay, robin, or other perching bird. 

West Nile is spread through mosquito bites. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In severe cases, people could suffer severe illness, including meningitis, encephalitis, or even death.



(Photo: National Institute of Health)