NEW YORK (Liz Rhoades).- Ah summer. Barbecues, swimming and those pesky mosquito bites.

But since 1999, when the West Nile virus was first discovered in the United States, right here in College Point, some of those bites from infected mosquitoes have become more than just an itchy nuisance. In the elderly and those with weak immune systems, the virus can lead to fatal cases of meningitis and encephalitis.

The most active season for the culex pipiens variety of mosquito most likely to carry the virus is right now. Last week, as if on cue, the city Department of Health announced that a pool of mosquitoes collected had tested positive for the disease. They were found in Flushing.

Aerial disbursement of larvacide packets, to kill the larvae before they mature, were to be dropped in marsh areas of Alley Pond Park and the Flushing River, and at the site of the former Flushing Airport. That was to take place Aug. 2-6, depending on wind conditions. All are in non-residential areas.

As the mosquitoes become more active, the health department urges residents to take steps to protect themselves. They include: Use insect repellent, especially in the early morning hours and at dusk when the mosquitoes are most active. When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Repair or replace torn screens.

Eliminate standing water on your property that has gathered in containers and birdbaths.

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. Cover if not in use.

Do not leave vases in cemeteries as they are prohibited during West Nile virus season. So far, no human cases have been reported in the city or New York state. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 185 cases of West Nile virus this year around the country and five deaths. Hardest hit states are California and South Dakota.

The data shows a fourfold increase nationwide in cases compared to the same time last year. Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said the increase this year may signal an epidemic of the virus in certain areas.

“Given the jump in reported cases, we are asking people in areas where it is prevalent to become familiar with the incidence and symptoms of West Nile virus,” he said, “and to take extra precautions against mosquito bites.”

The CDC’s final tally for 2006 was 4,261 cases and over 150 deaths. In New York City, there were 12 cases and two fatalities, both from Staten Island. Queens had two cases.

In 1999, the city reported 60 cases and seven fatalities, most of them from Queens. Officials believe the disease was carried by an infected insect on an overseas flight. Infected mosquitoes spread the virus by biting birds, horses, other animals and humans. Since dead birds are an early warning sign of the disease, the city asks that residents report the sighting of them by calling 311.

The chances of contracting the disease are slim, with less than 1 percent who are bitten by an infected mosquito actually developing mild flu-like symptoms and of those, only 1 in 150 will develop a serious illness.

Severe symptoms to look for include fever, severe headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, rash, confusion and sensitivity to light.

“While West Nile virus is not a concern in most cases,” Keaton said, “it is important to be aware of the symptoms of severe infection and to seek immediate medical attention if those symptoms arise.”

Outbreaks usually begin after a heat wave, which is followed by rain, when the mosquito eggs hatch. Since the virus was first detected in Queens, it quickly spread along the East Coast and later to the West. More cases appear in the West now than elsewhere in the country because the infected mosquitoes have not been there as long.

But health officials warn that diseases such as the West Nile virus wax and wane in areas from year to year and that the weather can be a factor.

In New York City, spraying insecticide from trucks to kill adult mosquitoes in residential and non-residential areas is usually done when multiple infected mosquito pools are found. There are no plans to spray at this time, according to the Department of Health.

Queens Chronicle.