MENARD COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — Menard County is the latest in Illinois to register a batch of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus.

At the behest of the Sangamon/Menard County Public Health Department, the Menard County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday on Facebook that mosquitoes have tested positive in the areas of Petersburg and Athens.

Authorities noted that while a mosquito bite usually doesn’t lead to illness, it can sometimes cause mild symptoms such as fever, headache, rash, and body aches within three to fifteen days post-infection. In more severe instances, symptoms could escalate to include high fever, a stiff neck, confusion, and muscle weakness, potentially leading to brain inflammation, permanent neurological damage, or even death.

People are encouraged to take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes:

• Drain standing water around homes
• Apply EPA-registered insect repellents containing 10% to 50% DEET (for adults) and 20% to 25% DEET (for children)
• Limit time outdoors during both dusk and dawn
• Make certain that all screens are in good repair and tight-fitting.

In 2025, 68 out of 102 counties in Illinois have reported instances involving mosquitoes, birds, horses, or humans testing positive for the West Nile Virus. There have been 79 human cases reported, predominantly in Cook County and its neighboring areas, and one fatality has been recorded.

For more information on West Nile Virus surveillance in Illinois, click here.