A dead crow found in London, Wednesday has tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Middlesex-London Health unit says the bird is the first in the area to test positive for the disease this year.

Health officials say most people infected with the virus do not get sick -- but those who do usually have mild flu-like symptoms and less than one per cent get seriously ill.

They say people should protect themselves from mosquitoes -- which can carry the virus -- by using insect repellent, wearing light-coloured clothing and getting rid of standing water.