The Lake County Health Department is collecting dead crows and blue jays to test for the West Nile virus.
A dead crow found this month in northwestern Kane County became the first bird in the Midwest to test positive for the virus in Illinois this year. Six birds collected in Lake County last year tested positive.
Infected birds and horses were first found in the state last year as the virus spread west after an outbreak in and around New York City in 1999.
West Nile encephalitis is an infection of the brain spread by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. People acquire the disease from infected mosquitoes and can die from it.
“Positive birds are a warning sign that we should take precautions,” said Dale Galassie, Lake County Health Department executive director. “There is no vaccine for West Nile encephalitis, but the risk of becoming infected can be reduced.”
Preventive steps include using insect repellent containing 25 percent to 35 percent DEET, getting rid of standing water in back yards and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
To be considered for testing, crows or blue jays should have no signs of decomposition, trauma or obvious causes of death, and should be dead for less than 48 hours.
To have the birds tested, call the Health Department at 847-949-9925.
