By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

The Livingston County Public Health Department’s Director of Environmental Health collected and tested a batch of mosquitoes in Fairbury, which have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.

Director Donnie Simmons said recent rains and the predicted rise in temperatures over the next couple of weeks will cause mosquito activity to rise again. He gives people several tips to better protect themselves from mosquitoes potentially carrying the virus.

“One thing is apply insect repellant, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Wear light colored pants or long sleeved shirts in the evenings, particularly. Basically, take care of your yard and your property. Keep your grass cut. Empty any containers that have any water in them – stagnant water. This includes drip pans for planters, wading pools, trash cans – anything that can hold water to facilitate mosquitoes breeding and laying eggs,” Simmons said.

For more information, visit www.dph.illinois.gov.