FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, weeks of rain and flooding in Southern Illinois are the perfect conditions for mosquitoes.

The department said within weeks, floodwater mosquitoes will appear, but they are rarely infected with the West Nile virus. However, as floodwater recedes into ditches, catch basins or other areas where water will sit stagnant, house mosquitos will appear and they are often infected with WNV.

“With the floodwaters and increasing temperatures, we’re going to start seeing increased mosquito activity,” said Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold.  “It is important to protect yourself against mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent and taking other precautions.”

Last year 30 of Illinois' 102 counties had a West Nile positive bird, mosquito, horse or human case.