NEW YORK - The Health Department Wednesday reported that a growing number of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus since mid-June – prompting a reminder to New Yorkers to take steps to avoid contracting the illness.                 Through routine surveillance in all five boroughs, mosquitoes with the virus have been found in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens and the Bronx, with the most positive tests in Queens and Staten Island. While there have been no human cases of West Nile virus yet this season, infections normally occur in late summer.           Eighteen New Yorkers contracted West Nile last year – with the first cases occurring in August.

“Reduce your risk of getting West Nile virus,” said Dr. Thomas Frieden, New York City Health Commissioner. “Wear mosquito repellent whenever you are outdoors and long sleeves and pants in the morning and evening. New Yorkers over 50 years old need to be especially careful because they are most likely to suffer serious illness or death if they contract the virus.”