Mosquitos Near The Quad Cities Area Have Tested Positive For West Nile

Summer may be ending, but mosquitos are still out in full force and unfortunately, that means the threat of West Nile still exists.

WQAD reports that mosquitos pulled from Sterling, Illinois have tested positive for the virus, according to the Whiteside County Health Department.

Jeff Deets, who is the department's environmental health director, said the reason these mosquitoes are testing positive so late in the season is likely due to the wetter and cooler spring the area had.

"It should serve as a reminder that West Nile virus-related disease is still a threat and will remain so until the first hard frost” Deets said.

And since West Nile has been found all over the midwest this summer, including in Iowa counties, QC residents should still be on high alert.

The Whiteside County Health Department advises residents to limit time outdoors when mosquitos are most active, eliminate sources of standing water, and use bug repellent with DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus when outside.