West Nile Virus Found in Mosquito in Clarksburg

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — A mosquito trapped by the Berkshire Mosquito Control Program was confirmed to be carrying West Nile virus.

The mosquito was found near the Peter Cook Memorial Town Field. Officials will treat the affected area with larvacide as soon as possible.

Residents can take precautions by draining any sources of standing water (tires, birdbaths, etc.) as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Also, residents who might see any dead birds should refrain from touching them and report them to Chris Horton of the Berkshire Mosquito Project at 413-447-9808.

Since mosquitoes tend to most active at dawn and dusk, residents can also protect themselves by using a bug spray with DEET and wear long pants and shirts to minimize exposure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, West Nile virus cases have been reported in all of the continental United States. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not have symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms although no cases in humans have been reported this year in Massachusetts.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly referred to a case of the virus; it was only found in a mosquito.

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