Toronto Public Health says a lab has confirmed that an adult resident has contracted West Nile virus, marking the city’s first human case this year.

In a news release, the agency wrote that although the risk of getting infected is low, people are advised to take precautions to avoid bites from mosquitoes carrying the virus, including wearing light-coloured clothing and applying insect repellent.

“As we head into late summer, we know that residents and visitors to Toronto are maximizing their time outside to enjoy the weather and outdoor activities,” Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said in a news release Tuesday.

“We encourage everyone to take the appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of exposure to West Nile virus through the bite of an infected mosquito.”

The virus is a potentially serious illness.

Four out of five people don’t show any symptoms after getting bitten. Those who get sick develop symptoms two to 15 days later. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, fatigue and occasionally nausea.

Last year, there were 39 laboratory-confirmed human cases of the virus reported to Toronto Public Health. The first case in 2018 was reported on July 27.