The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday, July 16, that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Arlington Heights, the town Board of Health reports.

In 2009, 3,410 mosquito samples were tested for West Nile Virus, and 26 samples were positive across Massachusetts. 

Cases were reported in Arlington in 2007 and 2008. 

"We urge residents to wear repellant and remove sources of standing water from their property," said Christine Connelly, town health director.

The Board of Health provided the following a new release:

West Nile is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

• Avoid mosquito bites

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. From dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.

• Clothing can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Permethrin, Picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.  DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

• Mosquito-proof your home

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or repair screens. Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

While the Arlington Health Department continues to work closely with the state Department of Health and other agencies, locally the Town of Arlington is larvaciding all catch basins to prevent the growth of human biting mosquitoes and inspecting properties and working with residents to remove sources of standing water. 

Information about West Nile and reports of virus activity in Massachusetts during 2010 can be found on the MDPH Web site at www.mass.gov/dph under A for arbovirus in the Health Topics A to Z index.

Recorded information about West Nile is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).