Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Health officials in Somerville are alerting residents that mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The city's advisory said the the samples were collected in Somerville on June 16 and 21.
No animal or human cases of WNV have been reported in the state so far this season.
This Somerville resident said he's trying to avoid mosquitoes. "It is a big threat, and you have to be careful because there are a lot of mosquitoes," he said. "I think you need to take some precautions."
One precaution that local resident Cora said she takes is hanging out with people who attract mosquitoes. "I'm ok, although my boyfriend definitely gets bit a lot."
While Somerville’s WNV risk is low, people are still encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said there were nine confirmed cases of WNV in Massachusetts last year.
Experts said take precautions to keep mosquitoes away from your skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks outdoors, when weather permits.
People should also be using insect repellants that contain DEET.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@jamesrojas.bsky.social) reports.