Bird tests positive for West Nile in LaSalle County

OTTAWA – The LaSalle County Health Department confirmed that a crow from Utica tested positive for West Nile virus. The bird was collected and tested on August 26. Mosquitoes in Ottawa tested positive earlier in the week. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a common house mosquito, which has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. People who observe a sick or dying bird should contact the health department which will determine if the bird will be picked up for testing.