The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile virus this year in Boston have been detected, health officials announced Friday.
The virus was identified at a mosquito pool in Jamaica Plain, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. No Massachusetts residents have tested positive for West Nile virus this year.
“It is typical to find West Nile Virus in Boston at this time of year due to the periods of hot weather,” BPHC Medical Director Jennifer Lo said. “This does not mean the average person is at increased risk of getting [West Nile virus]. However, people should still take simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”
Advertisement
The first positive test for West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year was in a mosquito in Weymouth near the end of last month, the state Department of Public Health said.
West Nile virus is transmitted to humans via a mosquito bite and can lead to serious illness, though most people infected have no symptoms, the BPHC said.
Boston officials urged residents to protect themselves from the virus by using insect repellant, wearing long sleeves, and emptying standing water.
The City of Boston is aiming to reduce the mosquito population through truck-mounted aerosol spraying, and by placing larvicide in basins and wetlands, the commission said.
J.D. Capelouto can be reached at jd.capelouto@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @jdcapelouto.