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Early Finding For West Nile Virus In Sterling

A batch of mosquitoes recently tested positive for West Nile Virus in Whiteside County. Health officials say it’s an early result in the testing season.

Health officials have been testing for West Nile Virussince 2002.

Gene Johnston, Director of Environmental Health at the Whiteside County Health Department, says it’s common to get positive results -- but usually in August or September.

“The mosquito that spreads West Nile is what you call a 'night biter' not a 'day biter,'" Johnston said. "It’s a Culex mosquito; they’re active at night.”

Melaney Arnold is a spokesperson for the Illinois Department of Public Health. She says now the attention turns to prevention.

“Once it is found to be in an area, typically testing no longer occurs because we are already aware that West Nile is in that area,” Arnold said.

Arnold says residents should get rid of standing water around their homes and wear bug repellant, particularly from dusk to dawn.