CARMI, Ill. — The Illinois Department of Public Health confirms the first West Nile positive batch of mosquitoes in southern Illinois this year. 

Officials with the Egyptian Health Department collected the batch on June 9 in Carmi.  Surveillance for West Nile virus in Illinois includes lab tests on mosquitoes, dead crows, and perching birds.

If you see a sick or dying crow, blue jay, robin, or other perching bird, you should contact your local health department so it can be tested. 

Experts say you should take precautions to avoid being bit by a mosquito. The IDPH recommends practicing the three “R’s” which are reduce, repel, and report.