Dead crow found in Sterling park tests positive for West Nile

STERLING, Ill. — A dead crow found in Sterling’s Lincoln Park last week has tested positive for West Nile virus, the Whiteside County Health Department announced Friday.

The crow was the third bird sent for testing by the health department in recent months and the first to test positive, according to a news release.

August and September are peak seasons for West Nile because the warm weather aids in mosquito reproduction, said Gene Johnston, director of environmental health for the Whiteside County Health Department.

Property owners should make sure there is no stagnant water gathered on their property, and those who go out between dusk and dawn should wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-