ALBUQUERQUE – Health officials in New Mexico’s most populated area are warning residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.

They announced Monday that mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been collected at locations throughout Albuquerque and Bernalillo County as part of a regular monitoring program.

“Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus will be around until there is a good hard frost in the area, so we urge people to continue to take precautions against mosquito bites throughout the rest of the season,” said Dr. Mark DiMenna, deputy director of Albuquerque's Environmental Health Department.

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, there have been no human West Nile virus cases in the state so far this year. In 2020, there were eight cases with one death. That was down significantly from the 40 cases and four deaths reported in 2019.

Symptoms of an infection can include fever, nausea, headache and muscle aches. In rare cases, the virus can cause meningitis or encephalitis.