Petersburg, IL (WAND) -Mosquitoes in Menard County has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Petersburg and Athens both had mosquitoes caught in traps that tested at the maximum level.
Once a county tests positive, it will remain noted as such for the rest of the year.
Residents of the county are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquitoes by doing things like draining standing water around your home. Standing water serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing 10% to 50% DEET (for adults) and 20% to 25% DEET (for children) and limit your time outdoors during both dusk and dawn.
Make sure all screens are in good repair and tight fitting.
When bitten by an infected mosquito, most people don’t get sick although some people may develop symptoms that are mild. Those include fever, headache, rash and body aches three to 15 days after infection.
More severe symptoms can result in high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness and inflammation of the brain, which could lead to permanent neurological damage or death.
