What Now? West Nile Virus Detected in Dartmouth Mosquitos

If you have any standing water on your property, beware. West Nile virus has officially been detected in Dartmouth.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed the detection of the virus in mosquitos collected from Dartmouth for the first time this year.

What does that mean for residents?

Here is how to stay safe for the rest of the summer season.

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What Is West Nile Virus (WNV)?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the US. It is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito and there are no vaccines or medicines to treat it.

“About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms,” said the CDC. “About 1 in 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness.”

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

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West Nile Virus Detected in Dartmouth

Mosquitos carrying the virus were collected from the Northeast section of Dartmouth. According to the MDPH, “the location of the collection does not diminish the likelihood of the presence of mosquitos carrying the virus elsewhere in town since mosquito habitat is common throughout the entire town.”

How to Avoid Contracting West Nile Virus

Avoid WNV by avoiding mosquito bites. The MDPH recommends applying insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors can also help.

Avoid peak mosquito hours which fall between dusk and dawn.

To “mosquito-proof” your home, drain any standing water on your property to prevent mosquitos from laying eggs, and install or repair screens to keep mosquitos from getting inside.

Stay safe and stay prepared.