The first mosquitoes found in Laramie County to test positive for West Nile virus this year have been found in Cheyenne, officials announced Thursday.

Weed and Pest Manager Steven Trowbridge says the infected mosquitoes were collected from traps near Sun Valley and Laramie County Community College last week.

“This is typically the time of the year we expect to see a rise in West Nile virus activity, and these positive mosquito pools confirm that,” said Cheyenne-Laramie County Health Department Supervisor Jennifer Escobedo.

While the chance of getting sick from the virus is very small, it can be deadly, and Trowbridge says they and the health department are doing their utmost to protect everyone.

"(We) will continue to visit all known mosquito breeding sites, including sites near these positive mosquito pools," said Escobedo. "Larval control activities will continue throughout the summer."

Trowbridge says they have also started truck spraying in areas with elevated numbers of infected mosquitoes.

Because mosquitoes lay their eggs in items around the home such as birdbaths and unused flowerpots, residents are being asked to do their part by getting rid of any standing water in their yards.

Officials also recommend people avoid spending time outdoors during dawn and dusk, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, and use an insect repellent containing DEET to prevent mosquito bites.

The best and most effective mosquito control begins in your yard. Eliminating standing water is the first step in reducing mosquito breeding:

To reduce your risk of being bitten, use the 5D method by following these steps: