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Mosquito sample in Whitman tests positive for West Nile

WHITMAN, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Mass. Public Health officials are warning residents about the state's first mosquito sample of the summer to test positive for West Nile virus.

Officials say West Nile has been found in a mosquito sample taken on June 25 in Whitman.

No human cases of Wets Nile or Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been reported in 2013.

A total of 33 Mass. residents were diagnosed with West Nile virus in 2012. West Nile has the greatest impact on people over the age of 50.

Health officials released the following tips to prevent against mosquito bites:
 
- Wear bug spray when outdoors that contains DEET, permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535. DEET should not be applied to children under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30-percent or less on older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be applied to children under age 3.

- Be aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.

- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

- Drain standing water near your home.

- Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flower pots or wading pools.

- Change water in birdbaths frequently.

- Install or repair screens to keep them from entering your home.