33 Illinois counties have reported positive cases of the West Nile Virus in their mosquito population as of July, the professionals with the Christian County Health Department say the number of counties can continue to rise and Christian County has shown positive tests in past years and currently.

Joe Torres, Director of Environmental Health urges local citizens to stay vigilant and ensure all standing water on a property is dumped out, as the stagnant water is the ideal breeding ground for potentially contaminated mosquitoes. Through the CCHD's Vector Program, larvicide can be applied to properties showing West Nile virus, and CCHD Environmental Inspector, Clayton Sperry, says the larvicide is environmentally friendly.

Limiting time outdoors and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants will limit a mosquito's access to skin. Attacking the problem at the source by ridding the backyard of filled pet bowls, bird baths, and tires is always advised.

Contact the Christian County Health Department for information on their Vector Program and possible larvicide application at 217-824-4113.

Joe Torres and Clayton Sperry appeared as guests on the WTIM Morning Show.