The city of Suffolk has continued to find mosquitoes that are testing positive for West Nile Virus in downtown Suffolk, according to a press release.

Affected areas included the North Street and Market Street areas and the neighborhoods of Lakeside and Philadelphia.

Suffolk has never had a confirmed human diagnosis of West Nile Virus, according to a press release.

While Mosquito Control has helped to decrease the mosquito population, the remaining population still tests positive for the virus. The department plans to intensify its current efforts.

Technicians will be increasing mosquito surveillance, treatment of standing water, catch basins and evening spray applications.

The city advises taking extreme caution and utilizing preventive measures.

Residents are advised to stay indoors from dusk to dawn, wear loose, long and light-colored clothing outdoors and use insect repellants containing DEET.

Mosquito breeding can be eliminated by tending to areas around the home. Standing water breeds mosquitos, and the city advises emptying water-holding containers, disposing of old tires, clear gutters, clean pools and place Mosquito Dunks in stagnant water areas.

Free Mosquito Dunks are available to Suffolk citizens at Suffolk Fire & Rescue Stations 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, the Media & Community Relations office at City Hall, Whaleyville Community Center, East Suffolk Recreation Center, and all Suffolk Public Libraries.

In order to get your free Mosquito Dunks, you must be 18 years of age or older, have proof of residence in the city and proper picture identification and sign the information sheet at the pickup location.

West Nile Virus typically does not show symptoms in about four out of five people affected by it, according to a press release. Those that do experience symptoms can experience flu-like symptoms and swollen lymph glands. In more severe cases, individuals can experience high fever, headache, neck stiffness and disorientation.

For more information about Suffolk Mosquito Control, call 514-7609.