West Nile Virus Found In Medford

MEDFORD, MA — A mosquito sample taken in Medford June 29 has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, the Department of Public Health announced Thursday. The sample was collected from the southwest part of the city.

This does not increase the risk for West Nile Virus in Medford, the Health Department said. The city's mosquito traps are regularly monitored, collected and tested. Following this recent positive sample, trapping and surveillance will be increased in the near future.

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus and EEE, community members can and should take the following precautions:

• Use mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient (such as DEET).
• Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, when mosquito activity is most likely.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• Limit the number of places around your home where there is standing water; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
• Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are tight-fitting.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at https://www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.