Boston health officials said today that a mosquito pool in Roslindale has tested positive for West Nile Virus.
However, there have been no confirmed human cases of the virus in Boston so far this year.
“It’s again the time of year when it’s not surprising to find mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus in Boston,” said Dr. Anita Barry, director the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Public Health Commission. “The recent combination of hot weather and rain may have contributed to West Nile appearing slightly earlier this year than in some previous years, and people should take some simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”
While the virus is transmitted to humans by a mosquito bite, it poses very low risk to humans, officials said.
The city has started putting larvicide in catch basins in various neighborhoods, which is designed to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Officials urged people to wear insect repellant when outdoors and wear clothing with long sleeves and pants. Also, window screens with holes should be repaired to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.
To prevent their breeding, residents should turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, garbage cans and any other place where water can pool.
