West Nile Virus Found In Seekonk Mosquitos

SEEKONK, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced this week that mosquito samples in Seekonk tested positive for West Nile virus. The disease is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people of all ages, though those over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

Most people infected with West Nile will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms. These include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

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