A batch of mosquitoes tested positive for the West Nile Virus for the first time this year, public officials in Mississauga say.

The batch of mosquitoes that tested positive were captured and tested in the area of Dixie Road and Lakeshore Road East.

The heavy rainfall this year has helped generate breeding space for mosquitoes capable of carrying the virus, officials say.

“With this recent confirmation of West Nile activity, we are increasing our efforts in south Mississauga and the surrounding area by looking for breeding sites and re-treating catch basins with larvicide,” Peel Region director of health protection Paul Callanan said in a news release.

Homeowners are asked to turn over any pools of standing water that may have collected on their property.

Anyone who spots standing water on a piece of property in Peel that has not been dealt with is asked to call Peel Region Public Health.

The risk of West Nile can be mitigated by wearing bug repellent with DEET, covering exposed skin and avoiding areas with significant mosquito activity.

No cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed so far in Peel or the rest of the province to date.