Western Mass. mosquitoes test positive for West Nile - Bangor Daily News

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Pat Wellenbach | AP

A cattail mosquito is held up for inspection at the Maine Medical Center Research Institute in South Portland, Maine. Cattail mosquitos can transmit Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus to humans.

The Associated Press

Posted June 30, 2012, at 5:30 a.m.

BOSTON â€" State health officials say West Nile virus has been detected in a second mosquito sample, this one in western Massachusetts.

The Department of Public Health said Friday the sample was collected Tuesday in Pittsfield. Authorities said Thursday they found infected mosquitoes in a sample collected in Boston last week, the first of the season.

No human cases have been reported. Six cases of West Nile virus were reported last year.

Health officials recommend that people use mosquito repellent, protective clothing and consider staying inside during the peak evening hours for mosquitoes. They also advise draining standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs and making sure windows and doors are well-screened.

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