WILMINGTON, MASS. (WHDH) - The West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Wilmington, the town’s board of health announced Wednesday.
Mosquitoes collected last week in the Suncrest Avenue wetland area tested positive for the virus, which is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
The Wilmington Board of Health would like to remind residents that by taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
- Using insect repellents
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing
- Scheduling outdoor activities to avoid the hours around dawn and dusk
- Repairing damaged window screens
- Removing standing water from the areas around your home
Mosquito spraying in the town is slated to take place Thursday night.
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)