West Nile Virus Detected In Oswego After Mosquitos Test Positive

OSWEGO, IL — Mosquitoes sampled from Oswego have tested positive for West Nile Virus, village officials said Friday.

The discovery comes after the first cases of West Nile Virus in Kendall County were found in Plano and Yorkville in early July, Patch reported.

RELATED: First West Nile Case In Mosquitoes Reported In Kendall County

As part of an ongoing abatement program in Oswego, the village's contracted mosquito control company, Clarke, will spray the entire community Friday evening, officials said. Spraying will begin at dusk.

The West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a Culex mosquito that picks up the virus by feeding on infected birds. Common symptoms in people include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches that can last from a few days to a few weeks.

Oswego officials are encouraging residents to take precautions and provided tips from the Kendall County Health Department. One thing people can do is to get rid of excess standing water around their houses, which is where Culex mosquitoes most often breed. Common areas include wading pools, birdbaths and gutters.