(MURPHYSBORO, IL) — Health officials in Jackson County say routine mosquito testing has found the first batch of mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus this year. They were collected last Wednesday near Murphysboro. West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito that has picked up the virus by feeding on an infected bird. One-hundred-52 human cases of West Nile Virus were reported last year in Illinois, including five deaths. No human cases have been reported so far this year in Illinois, but neighboring states have reported viral activity. Officials say now is the time to take action to protect yourself from mosquito bites. For more information, go to jchdonline.org and click on West Nile Virus or call the health department at 684-3143.