Aug 23, 2008 12:38 pm US/Eastern
Mosquitoes Test Positive For WNV In Hyde Park
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Another mosquito pool has tested positive for West Nile Virus, this time in Hyde Park, the Boston Public Health Commission reported Friday.
Mosquitoes infected with the disease were previously found in Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, the Boston Harbor Islands, Brookline, Worcester, and Millbury.
Last month, a red-tailed hawk in Jamaica Plain tested positive for WNV, and two weeks ago a blue jay in Charlestown.
There have been no confirmed human cases.
The rainy summer has increased the threat of the virus as mosquitoes thrive in wet conditions.
Earlier this week, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed the first positive mosquito sample of eastern equine encephalitis and more samples of West Nile virus in birds and mosquitoes.
Health officials urge residents to report any dead birds as well as take precautions to help prevent contracting the virus themselves.
People should use insect repellant when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting. Officials also suggest wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Last year there were six human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts. There were no human cases of EEE, though infected mosquitoes were found.
No mosquito pools in New Hampshire have tested positive for West Nile Virus or EEE this year. Last year in the Granite State three people were diagnosed with EEE; no human cases of West Nile Virus were reported.
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