COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. – West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Collier County. Scientists with Collier Mosquito Control District found the virus in mosquitoes caught in traps in Ave Maria, Immokalee, and northern Golden Gate Estates on July 22 while testing the insects in the District’s laboratory. The mosquito samples were sent to the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories-Tampa for verification, which is a process that typically takes two weeks. On July 21, the District performed an aerial treatment for adult mosquitoes over northern Golden Gate Estates and over Immokalee on July 20. A treatment for Ave Maria is planned for July 23. “Evidence of West Nile virus in these mosquitoes is an indicator that birds infected with the virus are arriving in our area carrying the disease,” says District Executive Director Patrick Linn. “With the abundance of standing water in rural areas, we are seeing an uptick in mosquito species that breed in fresh water, which are the ones capable of spreading West Nile. Now that we know the virus is in the area, it’s more even more important that residents and business owners empty containers of standing water around their property and that they use repellent for protection.” The District’s teams are closely monitoring daily mosquito data to plan treatments as well as perform in-house testing for West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne health threats, said the District. In the coming weeks, numerous aerial treatments will likely be done to control adult mosquitoes and prevent the spread of the virus. In 2020, seven human cases of West Nile virus were reported by the District along with one horse with the virus. To limit your exposure to potentially harmful mosquitoes: Drain anything holding water around your home to discourage mosquito breedingDefend yourself by wearing insect repellentDress in long sleeves and pants when reasonableAvoid being outdoors during times of peak mosquito activity — dawn and dusk. According to the District, mosquitoes can become infected with the virus when they feed on birds that have it, and the virus can then be transferred to humans through bites. It cannot be spread among people through sneezing, coughing or touching, the District said. Experts said most people do not experience symptoms from the virus, but if a fever, headache or rash develop, contact your health care provider.