Department of Public Health updates West Nile risk in Massachusetts

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that eight municipalities are now considered to be at high risk from West Nile virus.

The elevated risk level applies to Boston in Suffolk County and Abington, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Whitman in Plymouth County.

The department said that a total of 262 West Nile-positive mosquito samples so far this year have been detected.

Residents can help with mosquito control by removing backyard larval habitats, such as clogged gutters and puddles.