A new case of the West Nile virus has popped up in the state.

A blue jay tested positive for the disease on Friday after being found on Tuesday in Marshall, about 25 to 30 miles from Charleston.

This case of the West Nile disease is the eighth case in Illinois since May 1 when surveillance for the virus was started. None of the cases have been human cases.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-transmitted virus, that can be transmitted to humans and animals through a simple mosquito bite.

Most people who are bitten by a West Nile infected mosquito, will show no sign of illness. Some may show signs of illness anywhere from three to 15 days after being bitten. Symptoms of West Nile included fever and headache for a mild case. Some cases can be very serious though with the possibility of inflammation of the brain called encephalitis, muscle weakness, high fever, convulsions, paralysis, coma or possibly even death.

When using mosquito repellent, it is best to use repellent that contains 25 to 35 percent DEET, says the state department of public health.

Also, make sure there are no tears in screens or a persons home. If there are tears, be sure to repair them. Lastly, try to get rid of any stagnant water that may be in things such as bird baths, ponds, flower pots, wading pools, old tires, and anything else that may have stagnant water.

There have been 138 birds as well as two horses that have tested positive in the state of Illinois since September 2001 when the first case was reported in the Chicago Metropolitan area.

The United States as a whole has seen 149 cases of West Nile have been reported in the past three years, with most of the cases being found in the New York area. Out of those cases, 18 lead to deaths.