There is a case of West Nile Virus in Moultrie County. Health Officials in Moultrie County have been notified by the Illinois Department of Public Health that a bird specimen has tested positive for the virus. West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne diseases in the US and is most active from April through October It is commonly spread to people and animals by the bite of a mosquito.
The specimen found in Moultrie County was found in the Kirksville area on September 29th. People who become infected with West Nile Virus may develop a fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the Moultrie County Health Department is asking all residents to change standing water on the property including buckets, birdbaths, and tires to prevent breeding opportunities, treat large bodies of water with mosquito dunks, wear mosquito repellent, mend holes in window screens, and remain indoors when mosquitoes are most active which is usually at dusk and dawn. You are also encouraged to wear light-colored clothing.
If you have questions pertaining to West Nile Virus or need assistance with large areas of standing water on your property, or you just want to report a mosquito nuisance, please contact the Moultrie County Health Department at 217-728-4114. You can also find out more information on West Nile Virus by visiting the CDC website.
