KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A case of the West Nile virus was discovered in Cabarrus County earlier this month, health officials confirmed Monday.  According to the Cabarrus Health Alliance, the NC State Laboratory of Public Health identified the virus in mosquitoes collected on Oct. 11. Following testing completed a week later, the presence of virus-positive mosquitoes indicates that the risk of West Nile remains into the fall months.  West Nile Virus cases on the rise in North Carolina The type of mosquitoes collected are responsible for circulating West Nile in the wild bird population and transmitting it to humans.   Cabarrus Health Alliance reminds people to take precautions against mosquito bites following these recent reports of West Nile.  Individuals should take steps to minimize their exposure to mosquitoes during outside activities during the remainder of the fall season, especially during dusk and dawn. The CHA provided the following tips to help eliminate mosquito breeding and reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease:  Use the tip-and-toss method after every rainfall. Tip out water in flowerpots, planters, children’s toys, buckets and any containers that can hold water, even a small amount.  When possible, drain any standing water on your property, such as puddles and ditches that hold water for more than four days after rain.  In containers that cannot be drained or dumped, treat with a product to kill the larvae. Samples of the product can be picked up for free at Cabarrus Health Alliance (300 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis)   Store out-of-service or un-mounted tires under cover to prevent the collection of any water.  Use insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors, which also repels ticks. Remember to always follow product directions.  There is no vaccine for West Nile in people, but vaccines are available to prevent the virus in horses. If you are a horse owner, consult your veterinarian regarding proper protective vaccines for your horses and change the water in water troughs at least twice a week to discourage mosquito breeding.  The young, elderly, and immunocompromised populations are at greatest risk of illness resulting from West Nile. There are usually no symptoms in most people who become infected with it.