The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) announced Tuesday that a mosquito pool collected in the Monument Avenue area of Henrico County tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first indication of West Nile virus activity in Virginia in 2005.

The mosquitoes were collected by Henrico’s Department of Public Work on July 13. The state confirmed the pool was positive for West Nile Virus five days later.

&uot;Though we are experiencing a slightly delayed onset of West Nile virus activity this year, this positive test is a reminder that West Nile virus is still present in Virginia and could build to high levels this summer if conditions permit. Now is the time for people to eliminate mosquito breeding areas around their home and to learn how to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses,&uot; said State Health Commissioner Robert B. Stroube, M.D., M.P.H.

Suffolk’s Department of Public Works contains a Mosquito Control Program that works to, &uot;safely and economically control mosquitoes to a safe and tolerable level, therefore reducing the risk of mosquito borne disease and the nuisance level,&uot; according to published information.

One of the program’s suggestions for what can be done right around the house is to get rid of unnecessary water in containers. Hundreds of mosquitoes can breed in standing water inside of something as small as a bottle cap.

andrew.giermak@suffolknewsherald.com