The West Nile virus has been detected for the first time this year in Toronto.

Toronto Public Health says a lab report indicates that two mosquito pools in the city –  have tested positive for the virus.

The good news is that the risk of becoming infected is low – but residents are being reminded to protect against mosquito bites.

Last year, Toronto Public Health reported 13 confirmed human cases and 18 positive mosquito pools.

To date this year, there have been no human cases of West Nile reported in Toronto.

The symptoms of West Nile virus are usually mild and include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes.

Doctor Barbara Yaffe, Toronto’s Acting Medical Officer of Health says the detection of the virus this year is a good reminder for people to take protection against mosquito bites – and to remove standing water from their property – to prevent mosquito breeding.