TORONTO, Ont. – Toronto Public Health officials are warning Torontonians to take proper precautions against being bitten after tests revealed more than half of mosquitoes trapped this summer are carrying the West Nile Virus.

The agency said this is the highest amount of mosquitoes that have tested positive for West Nile in the 10 years the program has been running.

Concern is high, as August is the time of year where people are at the greatest risk of contracting the virus.

“Wearing a mosquito repellant when you’re in a place where you think there are mosquitoes such as a wooded area, or when you maybe (are) just going out for a walk anywhere from dusk to dawn, you can use things like light-coloured long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself,” Dr. Howard Shapiro, Associate Medical Officer of Health, told CityNews Channel.

“It’s important also to check the screens on your windows and doors. If you don’t have them, get some. If they’re there, make sure they’re in good repair.”

No human cases have been reported so far this year, but a total of 28 people tested positive for the virus in 2011. Doctors across the city have been told to expect more patients suffering from West Nile symptoms.