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West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes in Worcester

Worcester, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – West Nile Virus was found in samples of primarily bird-biting mosquitoes collected from Worcester, health officials announced Tuesday.

Although there have not been any human cases reported in central Massachusetts in 2013, officials urge residents to remain vigilant as the detection of positive mosquitoes is a serious issue.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

Michael Hirsh, MD, Acting Commissioner of Public Health, City of Worcester asks residents to follow simple, common-sense, precautionary steps to protect themselves.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.