The state Health Department reported Wednesday that more than 650 mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile virus in the state, including locations in New York City and Erie, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Onondaga counties.

To date this year, there have been 37 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in the state, all of them on Long Island and New York City.

Health officials urged residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, including the use of insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. They also recommended taking steps to prevent problems by removing standing water from pools, old tires and other areas where mosquitoes may breed.