Summer is not only the best time to bask under the sun or enjoy a day at the beach. In the U.S., the start of summer also means the influx of annoying mosquitoes and the risk for West Nile virus.

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On Sunday, public health officials in New York issued an advisory reminding residents the dangers posed by mosquitoes after the West Nile virus was found in two counties.

In spite of the fact that it is the first time this year the West Nile virus was identified in New York, the Department of Health are warning the residents to protect themselves from these mosquitoes, which have been found in Rockland and Suffolk counties by eliminating stagnant water in their yards, New York Daily News reported.

Along with New York's West Nile virus advisory, the Delaware County Council and the county Department of Intercommunity Health have also reminded residents to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of acquiring the virus.

"It's important for people to take steps to reduce their risk of becoming infected with West Nile virus," Department of Intercommunity Health Council liason Colleen Morrone said. "The best intervention is prevention."

Councilwoman Morrone also said to use insect repellent containing DEET (Diethyltoluamide) whenever outside especially during dawn and dusk and wearing long sleeves and light-colored clothing are also useful, Daily Times News has learned.

Meanwhile, a West Nile surveillance program has been launched by Delaware County. To date, no mosquitoes have tested positive of the virus.

In 2000, West Nile virus first appeared in Pennsylvania. While most people infected do not get sick, a small percentage of those infected will experience a fever, rash, headache, meningitis, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or even death, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In order to keep the mosquitoes under control, Intercommunity Health Director Maureen Hennessey, who oversees the West Nile surveillance program in Delaware County, said everyone should eliminate standing water.

"Remember: Dump it if it has water in it; drain it if it can be drained; and treat it if it has standing water," Hennessey reminded.

Anyhow, if sufficient numbers of the virus-carrying mosquitoes are detected, they will be controlled using a powdered form of naturally occurring bacteria or a mosquito growth hormone, both of which are harmless to humans and other aquatic life.

In other news, efforts are underway for an annual mosquito control in Sheridan County, Sheridan Media revealed. The wet weather in early June has provided more breeding opportunities for mosquitoes. While the hot weather can also increase the chance of mosquitoes passing diseases like West Nile virus, that's why mosquito control, which includes killing both larva and adult mosquitoes, is deemed significant.

TagsWest Nile Virus, West Nile Virus Advisory, West Nile Virus New York, outbreak