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Bird tests positive for West Nile virus on North Shore

Most people with the virus do not develop symptoms, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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There have been four other cases of documented West Nile Virus in McLennan County so far this year.

1,900 Number of people in US who’ve died of West Nile virus since 1999.

LaSalle County Health Department has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this year.

There have been no human cases of the illness in the region this season.

West Nile activity generally builds in late summer. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito eggs. In 2005, an 85-year-old man from southeast Lake County died of West Nile neuroinvasive disease, according to a news story at the time. Officials blamed the high numbers in 2014 and 2015 in part on the California drought. Asian Tiger mosquitoes are small mosquitoes with black and white stripes that are known to bite aggressively near your feet and ankles during the day.

Recycle all unused tires or make sure they are not holding water.

Doud said crows are usually tested for a number of viruses and that the West Nile virus usually stays between the birds and mosquitos.

Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.

When outdoors this weekend, first, apply insect repellent; second, drain any stagnant water; third, have fun.

West Nile is particularly hard to stop because of the role that birds play in its spread. They are the most prone to the virus, which it transmitted to them by birds. As many as 400 million people are infected yearly.

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West Nile virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches and rash. Less than one percent of people infected become seriously ill and rarely, death occurs.

West Nile death in ND confirmed