The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit launched its 2014 West Nile Virus program on Friday as officials in Michigan confirmed they have found mosquitoes with the virus for the first time this season.

Dr. Allen Heimann, medical officer of health with the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit, said in a statement, "Each year, we have to prepare...Residents should continue to take the proper precautions to protect themselves from being bitten."

The health unit's strategy involves larviciding areas where the virus is found, but individuals are asked to try to eliminate any pools of standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

Residents are also encouraged to use mosquito repellent and avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, and to wear protective clothing.

In Michigan, the Department of Community Health reported Wednesday that tests confirmed the presence of the virus in a mosquito pool in Saginaw County in mid-June.

West Nile can cause serious illnesses, like meningitis and encephalitis. Symptoms include high fever, confusion, muscles weakness and a severe headache.

With files from The Associated Press