MORRISON — Officials with the Whiteside County Health Department have confirmed that mosquitoes collected last week near Sterling and Rock Falls have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
“This discovery is the earliest on record for mosquito pools in Whiteside County since the West Nile Virus surveillance program began in 2002,” said Gene Johnston, environmental health director for the Whiteside County Health Department.
“Recent 90 degree weather and drier conditions are likely contributing factors to this early finding,” Johnson said.
He added the virus is expected to be found in other Whiteside County communities until the first frost this fall causes mosquitoes to become less active.
As of Friday, 25 Illinois counties this year have reported positive tests for the virus.
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On Thursday, officials in Henry County reported their first positive tests for West Nile Virus this year. Rock Island officials collected an infected mosquito in Moline on June 21, and Bureau County collected infected mosquitoes on the Hennepin Canal June 20 and June 22.