(ANGOLA) - Mosquitoes collected in Steuben County have been tested and found to be carrying West Nile Virus.

According to the Steuben County Health Department, four mosquito pools collected on July 30 by the Health Department have tested positive for West Nile Virus. However, there have been no human cases of West Nile virus reported in the county.

There is the potential for seasonally warm temperatures in the upcoming forecast and mosquitoes will remain active above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so the risk of mosquito bites is still present. There is still the possibility of a human contracting West Nile virus until the first hard freeze has occurred.

The Steuben County Health Department recommends the following proactive measures: Avoid places where mosquitoes are biting; Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil to clothes and exposed skin; Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of the home; and, When possible, wear pants and long sleeves, especially if walking in wooded or marshy areas.

West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, a mild form of illness, which can include fever, headache, body aches, swollen lymph glands or a rash. Some individuals will develop a more severe form of the disease with encephalitis or meningitis and other severe syndromes, including flaccid muscle paralysis.