The West Nile Virus has been detected in Dartmouth.

The Massachusetts Department of Public health reported on Tuesday that the virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected between Slocum Rd. and the New Bedford line.

Christopher Michaud, the town's Director of Public Health, told WBSM News that even though the virus was found in one section of town all residents need to take precautions.

"The precautions and concerns are throughout town," said Michaud.

This is the second time this year that the virus was detected in Dartmouth which Michaud said is not surprising given the time of year and recent occurences in other communities.

"It was turning up in Fairhaven, it was in another community the week before, it's expected," said Michaud "there is a cycle to the virus, we always see it at a particular time in the season, and you don't expect to see it earlier in the season."

Michaud says they are working with the bristol county mosquito control project to determine what the next steps will be.

"They are going to monitor the weather conditions for continuation of spraying beyond their normal cut-off to target this area," said Michaud.

The Town of Dartmouth has posted fact sheets on ways to discourage mosquitoes and protect your family from West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne diseases are on the Board of Health website.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also posted additional information about mosquito-borne diseases including reports of West Nile Virus activity in the state on their website.

More From WBSM-AM/AM 1420