The number of mosquitoes which test positive at the West Nile virus check in California increases with each week. State authorities said that this week more mosquitoes infected with the virus were found than in any other week so far.

The latest sampling found out that, of 2,115 samples, 195 mosquitoes were infected, said Lea Brooks, spokeswoman for the California state department of public health. So far, the highest number of infected insects found was of 151 during a week in July 2005.

Two birds were also infected with the West Nile virus in Burlington County, the local health department said in a statement. Burlington County officials issued a warning yesterday.

However, the number of infected mosquitoes is expected to drop once the autumn starts to bring cold temperatures.

On the other hand, the number of humans infected with the Wets Nile virus is much lower this year, 78, compared to the 120 victims of 2007. Fortunately, there were no human deaths due to the virus infection this year.

The West Nile virus can infect the humans through contact with mosquito bites that get it from infected birds. The typical symptoms of the virus are mild symptoms similar to those of a flu (fever, headache, body aches and skin rash), but in some cases can develop very dangerous complications.

The elderly and those with a week immune system are the most exposed to infection with West Nile virus, said Burlington County epidemiologist Jennifer Horner.

Mosquito populations in Burlington County are being monitored as the Highway Department's Mosquito Control Division is currently carrying out ground and aerial larvicide treatment.

Meanwhile, the area next to the Mann Music Center in Fairmount Park will be sprayed by units of the Department of Public Health's Vector Control tonight with Anvil 10-10, a synthetic pyrethroid product which kills mosquitoes on contact and poses no threat to humans.