Getting some bites as West Nile season begins

Positive tests for West Nile Virus in mosquitoes are stacking up. Plotted on a map, the positive test results look the welts you might have after a cookout on a hot summer night. So far, there’s been no human cases. Remember to slather on some mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves if you can and try not to be outside when mosquitoes are most active.

We’ve been talking about West Nile Virus in Illinois since 2001. Test your knowledge with this quiz from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to prevent WNV infection.

Where West Nile Virus has been found

Click on a marker to see when the town and when the first positive test was recorded.

Source: Illinois Department of Public Health

Here’s a statewide look at where West Nile Virus has been found.

Credit: US Geologic Survey