WESTFORD — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from Westford.
The town issued a press release outlining steps residents can take to protect themselves and describing what actions the town will take moving forward.
WNV is a virus that is most often spread from mosquitoes to humans. While anyone can become infected, those over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe illness.
The release urged residents to:
- Apply insect repellent when outdoors.
- Wear long clothing to reduce mosquito bites.
- Be aware that mosquitoes are most active from dusk until dawn.
- Mosquito-proof homes by installing screens and by draining standing water
The Westford Health Department is still working with the MDPH and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to analyze mosquito data, monitor trapping areas, and determine next steps.
