LORAIN, Ohio -- More cases of West Nile virus are turning up in northeast Ohio.

The Lorain County Department of Environmental Health said mosquito samples taken from Grafton and Columbia Township in June and July tested positive for the virus.

Health officials plan to spray those areas Thursday and next week.

Residents can do a lot to reduce the risk of contracting the potentially fatal disease. Experts say it starts with cleaning up the yard.

"We need help from the general public getting rid of standing water around their homes. Getting rid of tires behind garages, 5-gallon buckets, make sure lids are on garbage cans -- even cleaning out the gutter helps everybody," said Joe Lynch with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health.

Also, be careful what you wear when you’re out and about. Mosquitoes love the way we smell.

"Perfume, colognes, soaps, anything giving off odor will attract mosquitoes," said Lynch.

Insect repellants containing 5 to 10 percent of the chemical DEET are most effective. Use them sparingly on young children, and never on babies.

Mosquitoes prefer children, so keep them protected. Wearing light-colored clothing and, if possible, long sleeves and pants will give you added protection.