The Green County Health Department reports that a dead Blackbird found in Brodhead on June 27, 2017, has tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first bird that tested positive for West Nile virus in Green County since surveillance for the mosquito-transmitted virus began May 1, 2017.

“This year we have detected the West Nile virus much earlier in the mosquito season than in previous years. The positive bird means that residents need to be more vigilant in their personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites,” RoAnn Warden, Health Officer/Public Health Director said....