Summer may be coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean we should take the threat of West Nile virus any less seriously.

No cases of West Nile virus in humans have been reported in West Virginia this year. Health officials say the virus has been found in mosquito pools tested statewide, and found in 14 counties: Boone, Cabell, Clay, Fayette, Harrison, Kanawha, Mercer, Nicholas, Putnam, Raleigh, Roane, Wayne, Webster and Wood.

West Nile is of greater concern in other areas of the country. Officials in Texas are spraying because of a growing West Nile virus epidemic that has infected more than 200 residents and killed 10 of them in the Dallas area.

It’s an example of why West Nile needs to be taken seriously and steps should be taken to prevent the spread of the disease….

If you own a home or property, there are steps you can take to limit the number of mosquitoes breeding on your property. Those steps include spraying or treating your yard and eliminating pools of water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs. Common areas where water can collect include flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels, and cans. Gutters can also hold water.

Following these steps helps to protect your family and your community.