Albuquerque-area health officials say they've collected mosquitoes positive for the West Nile virus in Bernalillo County for the first time in 2014.
City and county health agencies operate a mosquito control program aimed at reducing mosquito populations that transmit the virus.
West Nile's typical symptoms include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches, but in rare cases it can cause meningitis or encephalitis. People older than 60 are at most risk for serious disease from West Nile virus.
Dr. Mark DiMenna of the city Environmental Health Department says mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus will be around until there is a hard frost in the area.
In the meantime, humans are urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites while horse owners are strongly encouraged to vaccinate horses.
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