SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Public Health has reported a dead blue jay in Chicago in Cook County and a dead crow in Lincoln in Logan County have tested positive for West Nile virus. In addition a mosquito pool in Chicago has tested positive for the virus.

A total of seven birds in Illinois have tested positive this year for West Nile virus since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1. Other positive birds have been reported in Cook County (1), Henderson County (1), Kankakee County (1), Livingston County (1) and St. Clair County (1). In addition, four mosquito pools — three in Lake County and one in DuPage County — have tested positive for the virus.

Because the virus is present in Illinois, Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, state public health director, recommends individuals take a number of precautions to reduce contact with mosquitoes:

• Whenever outdoors between dusk and dawn or when mosquitoes are present, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Loose-fitting, light colored clothing is best.
• When it is necessary to be outdoors, apply insect repellent as indicated on the repellent label. The more DEET a product contains, the longer the repellant can protect against mosquito bites. However, concentrations higher than 50 percent do not increase the length of protection. For most situations, 10 percent to 25 percent DEET is adequate. Apply repellents to clothes whenever possible; apply sparingly to exposed skin if label permits. Consult a physician before using repellents on young children.
• Check residential screens, including porches and patios, for tears and other openings and repair, as necessary, to prevent mosquito entry.
• Eliminate stagnant water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles in which mosquitoes might breed.

Additional information about West Nile virus can be found on the Department’s Web site: www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm or obtained by contacting the Department’s West Nile virus toll-free hotline at 1-866-369-9710.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Additional confirmations of birds identified with West Nile virus will be posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the Department's Web site.