West Nile virus detected in New Bedford, Mansfield

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said West Nile virus was found in mosquitos in New Bedford and Mansfield.

According to a spokesperson for the City of New Bedford, the positive samples in new Bedford were found in primarily bird-biting mosquitos in the areas of Rural Cemetery and Business Park.

Residents are advised to wear mosquito repellent from dusk to dawn, wear long sleeves and pants, use mosquito netting on baby carriages, and empty standing water near homes.

Due to an increase in positive mosquito samples, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will continue its season ground-spraying until the end of the week.

For more information, visit the Massachusetts risk-level map.