PEORIA, Ill. – The first West Nile virus positive mosquito sample has been detected in Peoria County for 2026, meaning the virus is now circulating in the area.
Residents are urged to take appropriate preventive measures to protect their health.
“West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird,” Environmental Health Director Carey Panier with the Peoria City/County Health Department says.
“The Health Department has been setting mosquito traps throughout Peoria County to watch for areas of breeding and then testing those mosquitoes for WNV”.
The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to practice the three “R’s” – reduce, repel, and report.
The Three R’s of Prevention:
- REDUCE exposure: Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Ensure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens, and repair any tears. Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, such as bird baths, flowerpots, wading pools, and old tires.
- REPEL mosquitoes: When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535, following label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
- REPORT mosquito breeding grounds: If your community has an organized mosquito control program, contact your municipal government to report areas of stagnant water like roadside ditches or flooded yards.
Symptoms and Risk
Common WNV symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, which may last from a few days to a few weeks.
It is important to note that most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms.
In rare cases, severe illness such as meningitis or encephalitis, or even death, can occur. Individuals older than 50 are at a higher risk for severe illness from West Nile virus.
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