The Christian County Health Department says it has detected West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in Pana.  It’s the first such case in the county this year.  Environmental Health staff collected the sample on June 16.  The Illinois Department of Public Health says that no humans have tested positive so far in 2025. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health says most people with West Nile Virus experience nothing more than a fever and headache, and some will notice no symptoms at all.  In rare cases, though more frequently for elderly people, the virus can cause West Nile encephalitis.  This is a serious disease that affects the brain and can be deadly.  Symptoms of this disease include fever, headache, rashes, swollen nodes, conjunctivitis (eye irritation), disorientation, and muscle weakness. 

Dr. Chad Anderson, Public Health Administrator, urges people to use insect repellent and remove standing water areas to protect themselves from the virus.  Warm, humid conditions like what the area has seen lately are ripe for mosquitoes to emerge. 

CCHD says it will continue to monitor and test for West Nile Virus.  More information from the department is available at www.cchdil.org or by calling (217) 814-4113.