KANKAKEE – A pool of mosquitoes collected and tested in Kankakee have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
It’s the first time this year a pool or group of mosquitoes tested locally have tested positive for the disease.
So far only one human case in Illinois has been reported, although 34 other counties have tested positive for the virus in testing groups.
Although most people never show symptoms associated with the disease, death and illness can occur especially in cases among adults age 60 and over with weakened immune systems.
Ways to protect against mosquitoes include wearing long garments, insect repellant and reporting any long standing water to the local health department or city so larvicide can be added to the water and destroy any larvae there.
