Early report of West Nile Virus in East Central Illinois
IDPH reports the first bird in Illinois to test positive in 2024 for the West Nile virus.
•May 15, 2024•
By Angela Hogan
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the first 2024 West Nile virus (WNV) positive bird specimen in Illinois was collected in Douglas County. The report of this first positive test among the bird population in Illinois follows a relatively mild winter and spring. People who see a sick or dead crow, blue jay, robin, or other perching bird should contact their local health department to determine if the bird specimen is eligible for testing.
What is West Nile Virus?
West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito, commonly called a house mosquito, that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. The mosquito then transmits the virus by biting another host, such as a bird, horse, or human.