As Seen in The Sun Chronicle
ATTLEBORO — A mosquito infected with West Nile virus has been found in the city, prompting a warning from the health department.
Health Agent Alan Perry said residents who are very young, very old, or who have deficiencies in their immune system should take precautions by wearing long sleeves and pants, eliminating standing water in yards and using mosquito repellent.
While the mosquito was infected with the disease, it’s a type of mosquito that tends to bite birds rather than humans or animals, he said.
However, it can and does bite humans as well, Perry said.
He said the infected mosquito was trapped in the “east quadrant” of Attleboro on Aug. 17 by the state’s Department of Public Health.
The results of the testing were announced Tuesday.
Perry said the state has increased the threat level for WNV to “moderate.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms.