DARTMOUTH — For the first time this year, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitos collected in Dartmouth. According to The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the mosquitos carrying the virus were collected in the Northeast section of Dartmouth.

“This is about the time of year that we expect to start finding West Nile virus in mosquitoes,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD in a release. “It is an important reminder that people should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. WNV can cause serious illness and there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease, it can infect people of all ages. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When infected you may experience a fever and flu-like illness.

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