West Nile-positive bird found in western Illinois

GODFREY, Ill. (WLS) -- A bird found near Godfrey, Ill. is the first to test positive for West Nile virus in 2014, Illinois Department of Public Health officials said.

Officials found the bird on May 29, and laboratory testing the next day confirmed that the bird was infected. No human cases of the virus have been reported so far this year, officials said.

"West Nile virus activity is largely dependent on the weather. Despite our cold winter, mosquitoes are becoming active and infected with West Nile virus as the temperature increase," said IDPH Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck.

The first West Nile virus positive result in 2013 was reported in Cook County, which was followed by 117 human cases - including 11 that were fatal. The virus is spread through the bite of a mosquito that has fed on an infected bird.