Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus - Morrison IL

Mosquitoes collected on July 10, 2024 near Morrison, IL have tested positive for the West Nile virus according to Jennifer Kolb, Director of Environmental Health for the Whiteside County Health Department (WCHD). A positive mosquito pool is significant since Culex mosquitoes have a very short flight range of approximately ¼ mile. This positive tells us for sure that there are infected mosquitoes around Morrison, putting residents at greater risk of exposure. Additionally, WCHD testing has identified West Nile Virus in mosquitoes a month earlier than 2023 when we received our first positive results on mosquitoes that were collected on August 15th, 2023.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Typically August and September is when WNV activity is at its highest and the threat of West Nile exposure can remain until the first frost. As we approach the peak season for mosquito borne disease it is important for the public to continue their vigilance and take some simple precautions to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and protect themselves from exposure.