Suffolk officials are warning of increased risk for contracting mosquito-borne viruses.

Tests of sentinel chicken flocks and mosquitoes collected in the field have come back positive for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

“Suffolk citizens should know that there is increased WNV and EEE activity in these areas and they should take the necessary actions to protect themselves while engaging in outdoor activities,” said Charles Abadam, superintendent of mosquito control.

Positive West Nile Virus tests have been in the Market Street, Pine Street, Freeney Avenue, Lloyd Street, Lake Kennedy, Suburban Woods, Wonderland Forest, Burbage Grant and Great Dismal Swamp areas.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been somewhat less prevalent, being found only in the Lake Kennedy, Suburban Woods and Great Dismal Swamp areas.

No human cases of either virus have been reported in the city this season. Both are mosquito-borne diseases that can cause illness ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe sickness.

The city is ramping up its mosquito control efforts in the affected areas by increasing mosquito surveillance, treating standing water and spraying for adult mosquitoes.

Residents can protect themselves from bites by remaining indoors from one hour before dusk to one hour before dawn, wearing loose, long and light-colored clothing when outdoors, and using insect repellants containing the pesticide DEET.

Residents can also help by eliminating mosquito breeding areas, which is any place water is allowed to remain stagnant. Empty water-holding containers such as buckets, drums, bottles, tin cans, wheelbarrows, potted plant trays, and others. Dispose of used tires in the proper manner, and clear roof gutters and drain pipes. Clean wading and swimming pools, and drain water from tarps.

Finally, any stagnant water that cannot be drained, such as ditches, lakes or ponds, can be treated with mosquito dunks. Free mosquito dunks are available to Suffolk residents at fire stations 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. You must be 18 years old or older, have proof of residence and picture identification, and sign the information sheet at the fire station.

Mosquito dunks also are available at local retail stores.

For more information concerning West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, visit the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov. Call 514-7609 for more information on Suffolk’s mosquito-control measures.