Fall River - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito collected from Fall River in the area of Danforth and Locust Streets. As a result, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be spraying the area beginning at 2:00 a.m. to prevent anyone from being affected by the virus.

"As a precaution, all residents who live in the area should keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. In addition, caregivers should ensure that children, elderly relatives and friends as well as pets follow these guidelines. This notice is being distributed to inform residents so they can help the city and the Bristol County Mosquito Control better protect them," stated Mayor Robert Correia.

The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project sprays the Fall River area on a weekly basis to keep mosquito levels down. 

According to the Department of Public Health, WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected 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.