District residents are being warned to take precautions after West Nile Virus was identified in mosquitoes in D.C.

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The D.C. health department announced Tuesday that mosquito samples tested positive for the virus, which causes mild flu-like symptoms in humans.

The health department released these tips:

Dispose of cans, bottles and open containers properly. Store items for recycling in covered containers.
Remove discarded tires. Drill drainage holes in tires used on playground equipment.
Clean roof gutters and downspouts regularly. Eliminate standing water from flat roofs.
Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, and canoes when not in use.
Cover waste containers with tight-fitting lids; never allow lids or cans to accumulate water.
Flush bird baths and potted plant trays twice each week.
Adjust tarps over grills, firewood piles, boats or swimming pools to eliminate small pockets of water from standing several days.
Re-grade low areas where water stands; clean debris in ditches to eliminate standing water in low spots.
Maintain swimming pools, clean and chlorinate them as needed, aerate garden ponds and treat with "mosquito dunks" found at hardware stores.
Fix dripping water faucets outside and eliminate puddles from air conditioners.
Store pet food and water bowls inside when not in use.

For more information about this topic, please visit doh.dc.gov; www.cdc.gov, or call the WNV Call Center at 202-535-2323.