The first signs of West Nile Virus are popping up in Illinois. The State Department of Public Health has an extensive surveillance system for tracking the virus, and a batch of mosquitoes in Godfrey is the first spot to test positive says Director Nirav Shah.
Last year, West Nile was found in 61 Illinois counties, infecting 152 people—including five who died. Shah says the best way to protect yourself is to wear insect repellent and remove standing pools of water around your home.