JACKSON COUNTY — The Jackson County Health Department says routine mosquito testing has identified the first batch of mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus in Jackson County in 2018. The mosquitoes were collected on July 18 in and around Murphysboro.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.  One out of five people who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience illness, with symptoms such as fever, nausea, headache and body aches within 3 to 14 days of the bite. However, serious illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible.

In 2017, there were 90 human cases of West Nile virus in Illinois, including two in Jackson County, with five deaths statewide. One human case has been reported so far this year in Illinois.

Bart Hagston, Environmental Health Director for Jackson County Health Department, says we are now in the very hot time of year when West Nile virus activity begins to amplify. He says residents across Jackson County and beyond should take action to protect themselves from mosquito bites.