West Nile Virus Found on Cape Cod First Time This Summer

Falmouth, MA — West Nile Virus, which can be deadly to humans, was recently detected on Cape Cod for the first time this summer.

Mosquitoes carrying the virus were found in Falmouth in Woods Hole, the Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project told CBS.

West Nile was also detected in Middleborough last week. And EEE, another potentially fatal virus, was found in Wellesley earlier this month.

The viruses, transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, have no specific treatment. Symptoms range from fever to meningitis.

State health officials said preventing mosquito bites is key and offered these tips:

• 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

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• Barnstable
• Falmouth
• Martha’s Vineyard

Here's more EEE and West Nile Virus information from the state Department of Public Health:

General Information and FAQs

Find basic information on mosquitoes in Massachusetts and the diseases they can carry.

Prevention and Control

Protect yourself from mosquitoes with these prevention methods.

Surveillance Plan, Summaries and Data

Information on surveillance for mosquito-borne disease in Massachusetts and annual surveillance summaries with data.

For Health Care Providers and Veterinarians

Clinical and specimen submission information.

Travel-related Mosquito-borne Diseases

Learn more about Zika virus, Dengue fever, Chikungunya and other mosquito-borne diseases you can get when traveling abroad.

Educational Materials

Downloadable educational tools to help raise awareness.

Helpful Links and Additional Resources

Links to external sites with more information.

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