Piper City, IL – The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus in Ford County this year were confirmed by health officials on Monday.
According to the Ford County Public Health Department (FCPHD), a mosquito batch collected on Monday, July 21, in Piper City tested positive for the virus. This marks the first confirmed presence of West Nile virus in the area for 2025.
The department is urging residents to take precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites, which are the primary transmission method for West Nile virus. Officials recommend following the “Three R’s”: Reduce, Repel, and Report.
To reduce mosquito breeding, residents should eliminate sources of standing water such as bird baths, flowerpots, and old tires. Doors and windows should be properly sealed with tight-fitting screens. To repel mosquitoes, individuals are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and apply insect repellent when outdoors.
The public is also encouraged to report areas of standing water that persist for more than a week, including roadside ditches and flooded yards. FCPHD may apply larvicide treatments to those locations to prevent mosquito reproduction. Residents can report such sites by calling (217) 379-9281.
Seasonal West Nile outbreaks are influenced by weather patterns, mosquito populations, and human activity. No human cases have been reported in the county so far this year.
For further details about West Nile virus prevention, residents can visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s FAQ page.
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