West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Wareham
West Nile virus can only be transmitted by mosquitos. Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
West Nile virus can only be transmitted by mosquitos. Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash
There is West Nile virus in Wareham, according to the town government.
The town announced on Aug. 27 that a sample of mosquitoes from Wareham showed positive signs of West Nile virus.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has Wareham listed at a moderate risk for the mosquito-borne illness, as of Aug. 28. The rest of Plymouth County is also at a moderate risk.
Three human cases of West Nile virus have been reported so far, one from Boston and two from Middlesex County. There have also been 232 positive cases found in mosquitoes, according to the Department of Public Health.
West Nile virus can cause fever, headache, nausea and fatigue.
The town is encouraging residents to get rid of sources of stagnant water around their homes, in buckets, tires, gutters and pots, among others, and to use insect repellent as much as possible.
Mosquito activity reaches its peak between dusk and dawn. The town recommends not going outside during those hours if possible.
For more information, call the Wareham Health Department at (508) 291-3100.
