ULLIN – The Southern Seven Health Department’s Environmental Team is monitoring for West Nile Virus in the southern seven counties of Illinois. And they are asking for your help.

According to Southern Seven’s Facebook page, you can report sick or dying crows, blue jays, robins, or other perching birds to Miranda Adams at 618-634-2297, ext. 973114. She will determine if the bird will need to be picked up for testing.

West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a house mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. Symptoms may last from a few days to a few weeks. However, four out of five people infected with West Nile Virus will not show any symptoms.