A Ford County Public Health alert after a positive test for West Nile in Gibson City. A dead bird tested positive for the virus (Friday).  An advisory from health officials lets the public know what can be done to reduce your risk of catching West Nile virus.

First, you can limit your exposure to mosquitos by staying indoors around dusk and dawn, eliminating standing bodies of water and keep your doors shut at night. Second, wear long sleeves and pants, and wear mosquito repellent. Third, if your community has a mosquito control program, report stagnant water to your local government.

The health department says symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, but that four out of five people who have been infected with West Nile do not have any symptoms. They also add that people older than 50 are at a higher risk for severe illness.

They ask that if you find a bird that appears to have died from natural causes from now until Oct. 15 to report it to the Ford County Public Health Department at 217-379-9281.

94.1 WGFA