Spring has sprung and so has West Nile virus!

Its Springtime time again and the mosquito season is upon us and health officials are warning that the West Nile virus is out and about.

Officials say mosquitoes carrying the virus are already breeding rapidly and the season is beginning earlier this year due to the recent warm weather.

The virus was discovered by health officials in Arizona on April 26th, much earlier than anticipated by the authorities and people are being warned to start taking adequate precautions.

The West Nile virus appeared last year half way through June and authorities in Arizona say how severe the West Nile season will be this year is unpredictable.

They are advising the public to protect themselves against mosquito bites, as the West Nile causes serious illness and can be deadly.

The public are urged to be prepared to battle the virus with insect repellent, and by wearing protective clothing, especially between dusk and dawn and in areas where mosquitoes are active; they are also advised to remove any standing water around the home which may have collected in gutters, birdbaths or old containers.

West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes who nibble on birds who have died from it; when an infected mosquito bites a human, that human can contract the virus.