A mosquito trapped in the southwest quadrant of Tisbury tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Tisbury health agent Tom Pachico. The positive result was recorded on August 13 by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
West Nile Virus, most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, can cause illness with flu like symptoms. In more serious cases, it can cause life-threatening conditions including encephalitis and meningitis.
A mosquito tested positive for the virus in West Tisbury on August 1.
Even with a second positive result, Dukes County remains at the lowest level of risk, according to the DPH map that identifies risk of infection in different regions of the state.
Health officials say the best way to prevent infection is to wear clothing that covers arms, legs, and feet, apply insect repellent while outdoors, reschedule activities from dusk or dawn (when mosquitoes are most active), and drain any standing water pools where mosquitoes might breed.
