MIDDLEBURY, Vt. (AP) – State health officials announced Monday that a crow found dead in Middlebury had tested positive for West Nile virus, the first confirmed case of the virus in Vermont this year. No humans in Vermont have been infected this year, the Health Department said, but the risk increases in late summer.

Crows are common carriers of the virus, which is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and which in rare cases can cause severe illness if an infected mosquito bites a human.

“Late summer is when the risk of human cases is highest, because mosquitoes have had all spring and summer to pick up the virus,” said Patsy Tassler, the state epidemiologist.

Vermont had one human case of West Nile virus in 2002, three in 2003 and none reported in 2004 or 2005.

The state tracks the virus by testing dead birds, trapping and testing mosquitoes and testing people and horses showing symptoms consistent with infection.

The Health Department recommends that people limit time outdoors at dawn and dusk, wear long sleeves and pants, use insect repellent – following label directions carefully – and draining standing water in old tires, bird baths and other outdoor containers.

Vermonters are urged to report dead birds by calling 1-800-913-1139 or their local district health office during business hours.