NORTHAMPTON — West Nile Virus was recently found in mosquitoes in several parts of Hampshire, Hampden and Franklin counties, according to reports from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
Two mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile in Holyoke on Aug. 2. Two mosquitoes in Northampton and two mosquitoes in Deerfield tested positive July 31, according to reports.
There are no cases of the disease in humans or animals in the area so far, according to the state health department reports.
According to a statement released by the Deerfield Department of Health, its West Nile Virus risk levels will not change, yet, but the department encouraged people to be cautious while outdoors.
West Nile Virus is spread through a bite from an infected mosquito. The state health department recommends using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves, avoiding the outdoors around dawn and dusk, removing pockets of standing water and repairing any damaged window screens to reduce risk of West Nile.