The Washington County Health Department has confirmed a West Nile Virus positive mosquito pool has been found in Washington County.  A sample was collected and tested positive on July 22, 2014 in Ashley by the Illinois Department of Public Health, as they test in that area.  WCHD Director of Environmental Health, Jamie Jones, says this means the public needs to be on the alert for the two main transmitters of the disease.  That includes mosquitoes that are thriving around stagnant water in tires or gutters or of something like that, not common rainwater in a puddle.  This also includes birds.  Jones stresses that they want residents of the county to call the WCHD as soon as possible if they find a dead bird that is not already rotting.  The bird can be tested for the virus if it is not decomposed.  Call 327-3644.  She says they have not had a dead bird brought in or reported yet.  We have not yet had much of the weather that breeds the mosquitoes, which is hot and dry, but that weather is expected sometime this summer.  Jones says most people with the virus have no clinical symptoms of illness, but some may become ill 3 to 14 after the bite of an infected mosquito.  She says if you do get a fever, headache and body aches, it might be a good idea to go to the doctor, especially if you remember being bitten by a mosquito.  The best way to prevent West Nile disease or any other mosquito-borne illness is to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.  This includes avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn.  Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires and any other receptacles.  When outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET and consult a physician before using repellents on infants.  Additional information about West Nile virus and mosquitoes can be found at www.idph.state.il.us/envhealth/wnv.htm.