A mosquito trap in Barrie has tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit confirmed Monday a mosquito trap in the city tested positive for the virus.

“We've had detection in Barrie before, we've had detections in Bradford West Gwillimbury so those are areas we've been concerned about, and they are areas in which we've taken steps to reduce the risk, by larvaciding,” says Simcoe Muskoka Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Charles Gardner in a statement.

City workers are now executing their three step larvacide program to help prevent it from spreading.

The health unit says there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in humans. In York Region, one person has tested positive for the virus this summer.

Twenty-five traps are set up in urban areas across Simcoe-Muskoka each week. They say it is common for at least one trap to test positive in Barrie and Bradford each summer.

Officials recommends using mosquito repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing and to try and stay indoors when mosquitoes are more active. That’s at dawn and dusk.

The West Nile virus can cause fever, muscle weakness, a stiff neck, and in rare cases serious neurological illness. Anyone who believes they are experiencing any of the above symptoms should consult their doctor.

The health unit says they will continue to monitor traps throughout the county for the virus.