West Nile Virus Found in Dead La Grange Bird

A dead bird found last week in La Grange tested positive for West Nile Virus, the village announced Wednesday.

While the village did not say where exactly the bird was located, it advised all residents to be cautious when outdoors.

People with developing or compromised immune systems, such as small children and the elderly, are especially vulnerable to the virus.

Follow La Grange Patch on Facebook.

West Nile rarely causes symptoms in healthy adults—most people who get it will never become ill, according to the Cook County Department of Public Health. For those who do get sick, symptoms include fever, headache, confusion and muscle weakness, and emerge within three to 15 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.

The Des Plaines Valley Mosquito Abatement District began spraying for mosquitoes in La Grange on Aug. 7. Residents no longer need to report dead birds this summer in La Grange now that a case has been confirmed.