State Confirms West Nile Virus Case In Wilmington

WILMINGTON, MA -- Mosquitos collected in Wilmington tested positive for West Nile virus, the The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said Wednesday. The mosquitos were collected on August 7 in the wetland area near Suncrest Avenue. No transmission to humans have been reported.

Wilmington said it plans to spray for mosquitos on Thursday evening, weather permitting.

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 Wilmington Board of Health posted the following reminders on preventing mosquito bites:

• 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

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).