Health and Fitness First Birds in Northern Illinois Test Positive for West Nile Virus by Gary Kopycinski on June 16, 2011 Gary Kopycinski Author More in Health and Fitness: On Hantavirus, Park Forest Officials Urge Caution May 18, 2026 Rep. Kelly Condemns FDA Approval of Flavored E-Cigarettes May 6, 2026 Park Forest Aligns With Illinois Guidance on Childhood Vaccines Amid Federal Changes January 11, 2026 SPRINGFIELD, Ill.–(ENEWSPF)–June 16, 2011. Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, today announced the first birds this year in Northern Illinois testing positive for West Nile virus were found in LaSalle County.