Mosquito batch east of Bloomington tests positive for West Nile

Posted on August 13, 2015

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – A batch of mosquitoes east of Bloomington has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The batch tested Wednesday is the second instance of West Nile in the county this year. A bird in Chenoa tested positive for the virus if July.

Angie Crawford works in the Environmental Health Division of the McLean County Health Department.

“This type of mosquito is really active in dusk and dawn hours,” Crawford said. “So if you’re out during those times, make sure you’re wearing mosquito repellant. If you can, wear long pants and long sleeves to prevent any bites.”

Crawford said because of the heavy rains earlier this year, the mosquitoes that carried West Nile were dormant. But with the recent wave of hot and dry conditions, mosquitoes with West Nile are going to be more common.

Crawford said anyone feeling flu-like symptoms should contact their physician.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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