SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) _ The state Department of Public Health reports the first positive test for West Nile virus this year has been reported in batch of mosquitoes collected in southern Illinois.

The department reports St. Clair County Health Department employees collected a positive mosquito batch Tuesday in O'Fallon. Department Director Nirav Shah says West Nile virus activity is largely dependent on the weather. Shah said the positive samples are a reminder for people to protect themselves by wearing insect repellent and                      getting rid of standing water around homes.

 

Most people with West Nile never show any symptoms, but for others it can be fatal.