By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Health Department is reporting the first evidence of West Nile Virus in the county this year, but it is not a human case.

The health department said Monday that a mosquito pool collected on August 1 from a trap set in the 61705 zip code in Bloomington has tested positive for the virus. This first non-human case should be a reminder, according to the health department, that the virus will be here for the rest of the summer and early fall, and that taking steps to prevent being bitten is the best protection from contracting the disease.

The health department urges people who are outdoors from dawn till dusk to reduce exposure by wearing long pants, long-sleeve shirts, shoes, and socks. The agency also advises people to use insect repellent, repair and replace worn screens on doors and windows, and remove stagnant, shallow water or puddles on a weekly basis to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Residents are also advised to report to the health department dead birds and places where there is standing water.

So far, there have been two human cases of West Nile Virus in Illlinois. Young children, adults older than 50, and people with compromised immune systems are said to be most vulnerable to contracting the West Nile Virus.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]