West Nile Virus Found on Downstate Bird

A crow found in LaSalle County is the first bird to test positive for the West Nile virus in Illinois this year. Officials with the Illinois Department of Public Health say the bird was found in Lostant on June 1.

Authorities earlier found batches of mosquitoes that tested positive for the virus in Cook County.

Public Health Director Damon Arnold says Illinoisans will be at increased risk of West Nile virus as the temperatures get warmer and mosquitoes become more active. Humans contract West Nile through mosquito bites.

The virus caused 44 U.S. deaths in 2008, including one in Illinois. The state saw a total of 20 cases.