OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Health Department has confirmed that mosquitoes from Grand Ridge tested positive for West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected on August 31st. Officials say this is the first documented West Nile virus activity in LaSalle County this year. According to Jennifer Osborn, Director of Environmental Health, “This is the time of year we expect to see West Nile virus activity increase. Mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard frost, so it is important that everyone take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes and the viruses they carry. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a common house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. People who observe a sick or dying bird should contact the health department which will determine if the bird will be picked up for testing.
