By WMBD-TV & Jake Fogal

CENTRAL ILLINOIS – The McLean County Health Department reported that more mosquitos have tested positive for the West Nile virus in the county this week.

According to the health department, the positive test came from a mosquito pool located just east of Bloomington in the 61705 ZIP code.

This is the second report of the West Nile virus in the county after a dead bird tested positive in early August.

The best way to avoid the virus is by avoiding mosquitos says Angie Crawford, Senior Environmental Health Practitioner at the health department.

“Adults 50 years of age or older and people with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of developing severe symptoms,” said Angie Crawford, MCHD Senior Environmental Health Practitioner.

“If symptoms become severe enough to seek medical attention it is important to let medical staff know of any mosquito bite in the past 14 days so they can test for West Nile Virus.”

The Tazewell County Health Department reported on Tuesday that a bird collected from the Washington area has recently tested positive for the virus.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there have been 18 human cases of the West Nile virus in Illinois, and one reported death in Lake County.

Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].