Officials: West Nile virus detected in Worcester mosquitoes

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) — Massachusetts health officials say West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the state for the first time this summer.

The state Department of Public Health said Thursday that the infected mosquitoes were found in Worcester. Three samples were collected on July 1.

Officials say there is no elevated risk level associated with this finding. No human or animal cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year.

Ten people in Massachusetts were diagnosed with the infection last year. The virus is usually transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Officials are encouraging residents to use insect repellent, cover exposed skin and drain standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.