Local public health officials received verification of laboratory tests today on a bird collected in Iroquois County.

According to Doug Corbett, Public Health Administrator, a crow was found in Gilman on July 16th and submitted to the health department for testing. Corbett stated that laboratory tests received today confirmed that the bird was positive for the West Nile virus.

Corbett said the season for West Nile virus will not be over until the weather is much cooler and mosquito larvae are not capable of development. He said if we have rain in the next few weeks and the temperatures stay elevated, we still have the potential for further mosquito crop development.

The health department, again, offers advice to residents to protect themselves against the West Nile virus. Get rid of any water-holding containers such as tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles and old tires. Fill in low places where water can stand in your yard. Keep gutters free of leaves and debris. Keep drains, ditches, and culverts free of weeds and trash so water will drain properly.

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