Mosquitoes collected in Newport Beach have tested positive for West Nile virus, marking the first confirmed detection of the virus in Orange County this year, officials announced on Tuesday.

The infected mosquitoes were found in an area bounded by Campus Drive, Jamboree Road, State Route 73 and John Wayne Airport, according to the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (OCMVCD).

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Orange County this year.

“Mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile virus indicate that the virus is circulating in the community,” Amber Semrow, the district’s director of scientific and technical services, said in a statement. “This is an early positive detection of West Nile virus activity in Orange County, and it is in line with activity seen in neighboring counties right now, confirming that conditions across the region are favorable for sustained virus activity.”

West Nile virus is transmitted primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected after feeding on birds carrying the virus, officials said.

District personnel will continue mosquito surveillance, inspections and control efforts in the affected area and will post advisory signs warning residents of West Nile virus activity.

“We all need to work together to fight mosquitoes,” OCMVCD Public Information Officer Brian Brannon said. “Dumping and draining standing water is the most effective and environmentally friendly way to rid mosquitoes from our communities.”

Residents were urged to eliminate standing water around homes and businesses by emptying containers at least once a week and regularly cleaning bird baths and pet water bowls.

Health officials also recommended using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, repairing damaged window and door screens, and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.

Additional information about mosquito prevention and West Nile virus is available on the district’s website.