Health & Fitness
North Andover Mosquitos Test Positive For West Nile Virus
The sample was collected on Wednesday and is the first positive test for North Andover this year.
NORTH ANDOVER, MA -- Mosquitos collected in North Andover tested positive for West Nile virus, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Friday. No transmission to humans have been reported.
West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by bites from mosquitos commonly found throughout Massachusetts. While about 75% of the people infected with West Nile experience no symptoms, about 20% of people develop a fever, headache, vomiting, or a rash. In rare cases the infection can be fatal. The virus is particularly dangerous for people over the age of 50.
The Massachusetts Department of Health posted the following reminders on preventing mosquito bites:
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Use insect repellents
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours around dawn and dusk
- Repair damaged window screens
- Remove standing water from the areas around your home
Subscribe to North Andover Patch for more local news and real-time alerts.
Patch file photo via Shutterstock.
Find out what's happening in North Andoverfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
