BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The Kern River is a place where many people swim, fish and play all day in the summer. While many are aware of the drowning dangers, most may not notice the smaller dangers looming; mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus.

"In certain areas the water is flowing but in shallow areas next to the bank, mosquitoes can breed in that area," said Rob Quiring of the Mosquito Abatement District.

Now that the water level has risen, so have the expected number of mosquito e s. Vector control said mosquitoes will breed in stagnant water that is collected by brush such as the water hyacinth, which has become a major problem in recent years.

"The water hyacinth has taken over in certain areas, and it'll create a carpet and mosquito fish and predators cannot get to the larvae," said Quiring.

Infected mosquito e s can then go on to bite recreationalists or transients sleeping in the area. Dusk or dawn is when they are most active. Last year, 19 people were infected with the West Nile virus, the year before that were only two.

"It usually takes at least three days or a couple of weeks if you're going to have symptoms. If you're of the the unfortunate ones," said Kitty Berchtold of the Public Health Department.

Symptoms of the virus can go from flu or coldlike symptoms to coma and even death.

"The people who die are usually the very elderly, and oftentimes, they have chronic medical conditions," said Berchtold. "The main thing is to wear repellant and be mindful in the area that if there are mosquito e s in the area, take precautions," said Quiring.

If you have any questions about the virus, you can call 1-877-81-VIRUS.