West Nile mosquitos found in several Boston neighborhoods

There are no current cases of West Nile virus in the city, and the risk of infection is low, but health officials still want people to take precautions.

The mosquito-borne West Nile virus was recently detected in several Boston neighborhoods, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) announced Friday.

Health officials said the virus, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, was found in nine mosquito test samples across Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury, and West Roxbury. The samples are the first in Boston to test positive for the virus this summer.

BPHC officials said there are no confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in the city. While the risk of human infection is low, the BPHC is urging residents to take precautions by avoiding mosquito bites.

“We encourage all residents to protect themselves from insect-borne infections like West Nile virus by wearing insect repellant and long sleeve clothing when spending time outside at dusk or dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We are working closely with our partners at the state to monitor mosquito test samples and keep residents updated about the risk of West Nile.”

BPHC said other ways to reduce risk are to ensure window and door screens fit and don’t have holes and to regularly empty standing water in outdoor vessels, like kiddie pools and bird baths.

Health officials said most people who contract the virus don’t have any signs of illness. However, some people experience headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, and body aches that can last a few days or several weeks. Most people who suffer symptoms will recover on their own and don’t require medical assistance, according to the BPHC.

People over 50 are at a higher risk of developing more serious symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, and muscle paralysis or weakness.

The first detection of West Nile virus in Massachusetts was made on June 25 in Quincy. The virus was later detected in 27 mosquito samples across the state, according to the Department of Public Health.

On Tuesday, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project said the virus had also been found in mosquitoes in Worcester.