FAYETTE COUNTY — According to the Fayette County Health Department, routine mosquito testing has identified the first West Nile virus positive batches of mosquitoes in Fayette County for 2015.

These results demonstrate the continued need for people to ensure they are protected from mosquito bites.” The mosquito samples were collected in rural Ramsey and rural Shobonier/St. Peter on August 11 and tested on August 12. 

Because West Nile virus activity in Culex mosquitoes increases during hot weather, personal protection against mosquitoes is particularly important during this time of the year.

West Nile virus is transmitted through the bite of a  mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird.

Only about two persons out of every ten who are bitten by an infected mosquito will experience any illness.

Illness from West Nile disease normally occurs three to 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito and is usually mild and includes fever, headache and body aches.

However, serious illness such as encephalitis and meningitis, with lingering complications and even death, are possible. Persons older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.