Virus makes way to populous areas within Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- West Nile virus has hit some of Illinois' more populous areas.

A blue jay and six crows were found dead of the virus last week in seven more counties, this time including Madison and St. Clair counties near St. Louis; Rock Island County, which includes the Quad Cities; and Winnebago County, including Rockford.

So far, 70 birds in 25 counties and groups of mosquitoes tested in Chicago have died of the disease. No human cases were reported.

Most symptoms in humans are mild, such as a fever or headache, and appear three to 15 days after being bitten by a mosquito.

In some people --particularly the elderly or those with weakened immune systems -- the virus can cause more serious problems, including encephalitis, paralysis and death.

A dead blue jay was found July 12 in Alma, in Marion County. Dead crows were found July 15 in Mendota, Collinsville, Washington Park, Silvis and Rockford. Another crow was found dead July 16 in Kewanee.