From Google News

People are being urged to take precautions against mosquitoes after a horse in Greene County tested positive for West Nile virus.

Greene County public health director Ruth Ann Flowers said the disease tends to follow a pattern.

"When West Nile affects horses, not too long after you, see human cases, so people have to be careful," Flowers said. "It is pretty widespread in the area. We picked up three dead birds in the White Hall and Roodhouse area.

Dead birds can be a sign that the virus is circulating in an area and should be reported to the local health department.

West Nile has been a major public health concern since 1999. The virus is usually transmitted by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds. People can reduce their exposure by using repellent and making sure doors and windows

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have tight-fitting screens. It's also a good idea to remove standing water from around homes. Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Morgan, Cook, McHenry, Jefferson and Tazewell counties have reported human cases this year. So far this season West Nile virus has been reported in 57 Illinois counties.

State public health officials said Friday that an elderly central Illinois man has become the first person in Illinois to die of West Nile virus this season.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the Logan County man was in his 80s and died in mid-August. The Macon County Health Department said a private lab confirmed the death. The state health department said it is confirming the results.

Last year, Illinois saw 290 human cases and 12 deaths from West Nile.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some people show no signs of having contracted the illness, but others show symptoms such as headache, fatigue, rashes and body ache. Four percent of cases in the U.S. are fatal, according to the CDC.