The first cases of the West Nile virus have been reported this year, so people should start taking precautions as to avoid getting the disease.

West Nile virus often affects people who have been bitten by mosquitoes that had already been infected. The disease is brought in by wild birds that carry the virus and then passed on to mosquitoes. The first signs of infection are often recorded by analyzing water in pools where the insects reproduce. The first animals that are affected by the disease are usually horses.

People are advised to take precautions during this period of the year. Several methods of protecting oneself from being infected are considered to work best if combined.

People should avoid going out during the times of the day when mosquitoes are most active. These periods are the hours right before and after dusk and dawn. If one needs to go out during this time, one should put on shirts with long sleeves and pants. What is more, one should spray one's skin with insect repellent.

The most effective insect repellents are the ones containing DEET. Adults should look for products that contain 25 percent to 35 percent of this substance, while kids should not use any product that contains over 10 percent DEET.

You should make sure that any buckets, cans, barrels or any other recipient that may contain water in your household is emptied. Pets should have their water changed every 3 days in order to prevent mosquitoes from living next to your house.