As the warm season is here, the risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases has increased. Therefore, health departments across the U.S. have thought that the only effective way to control West Nile virus and other diseases is by educating people about the risks they are exposed to when bitten by a mosquito.

According to specialists in the field, the areas that favor mosquito population growth are standing waters, including swimming pools left abandoned. One way of counteracting the rapid spread of these mosquitoes is by inserting mosquito-fish populations into the water (which feed on mosquito larva).

People should stay away or eliminate any source of water that would benefit mosquitoes, officials warned. That means they must inspect their properties for standing water and remove them. Moreover, they should try to protect themselves the best they can from mosquito bites by using insect repellent and avoiding late night outdoor activities.

West Nile virus starts with one bite from an infected mosquito; for some people this could show no symptoms, while for others could manifest through fever, headache, chills, weakness and drowsiness. The most severe cases lead to meningitis or encephalitis, including low levels of consciousness and fatigue.

Specialists at the Center for Disease and Control warn that it only takes a few days for eggs to turn into mosquitoes, and this means they are able to reproduce at an alarming rate, increasing the risk for the West Nile virus to spread.

The virus is already circulating in some states. Human cases have been reported in Arizona, Mississippi and Tennessee. According to Lon Kightlinger, epidemiologist in the state Health Department, South Dakota is the worst hit by complications from West Nile virus, while Wyoming ranks second, Nebraska third and North Dakota Fourth, ABC News reported.