West Nile Virus found in Grundy County

West Nile Virus has shown up in Grundy County. In a press release, the Grundy County Health Department said West Nile Virus has shown up in a batch of mosquitoes recently collected in the City of Morris. The release says the batch is the first confirmed case of the virus in Grundy County so far this year. West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes and passed to birds and humans when they bite. The Grundy County Health Department says you can minimize your exposure to the virus by staying inside when mosquitoes are active and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. Repair the screens in your home where mosquitoes can get in and make sure you use a repellent with DEET if you have to be outside between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. You can get more information on West Nile Virus and how to best avoid it on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website.