By WMBD-TV
METAMORA – The Woodford County Health Department reported its first case of a bird testing positive for the West Nile virus in the county this year on Thursday.
According to the health department, a dead blackbird in Metamora tested positive for the virus. Health departments around the state monitor mosquitos and birds who may carry the virus.
Everyone is encouraged to report dead birds to their local health departments for testing, which is conducted from May 1 to Oct. 15. The department stated that it can test 10 birds a year.
West Nile can be transmitted to people after getting bitten by mosquitos, who get the virus after feeding on infected birds.
Common symptoms of the West Nile virus include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. The symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks, though some people may not show any symptoms.
People 50 and older or with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe symptoms.
To help stop the spread of the disease, the health department encourages everyone to reduce their exposure, use repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, and report stagnant water that can be used to produce mosquitos.
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