Mosquitoes gathered in Livingston County during a previous collection

By Katharine Murphy

A group of mosquitoes has tested positive for the West Nile Virus in Pontiac.

Donnie Simmons, Director of Environmental Health for the Livingston County Public Health Department, says he tested a batch of the bugs on August 17 and reminded the public that even though summer is coming to an end they need to be mindful that mosquitoes still have about a month and a half before the weather that will kill them off moves into central Illinois.

The latest reports from Illinois Department of Public Health show 49 Illinois counties have reported positive West Nile virus tests this year. Of those counties only four human cases have been confirmed.

90 human cases were confirmed in Illinois last year which is a decrease from 155 cases reported in 2016.

Simmons says the last time a mosquito tested positive for West Nile in Pontiac was two to three years ago.

He cautions that until it starts getting cool at night, everyone should take some extra precautions, including wearing insect repellent and getting rid of standing water around your home.