By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – The year’s first human case of West Nile Virus has been found.
The Illinois Department of Public Health reported an adolescent was found to have the virus in West Central Illinois.
McLean County Health Department spokeswoman Lisa Slater said the best way to avoid West Nile is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
“What can you wear that protects you more? Can you put on a long sleeve shirt? Can you wear socks with shoes to cover your ankles and lower leg? Can you put on some lightweight long pants?” said Slater. “Cover as much skin as you can and then you’re going to use mosquito repellent.”
Slater said there haven’t been any mosquitoes or birds in the county found with West Nile right, but it’s still a good idea to avoid being bitten.
Last year the state found 77 human cases of the virus, although not all cases are reported. Four out of five people who get the disease will not show symptoms.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
