DIGHTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Dighton Board of Health announced Tuesday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Dighton.

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

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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: The 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, Ndiethyl-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 two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. 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.

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Our team of licensed and trained mosquito control experts can protect your family from the risk of West Nile Virus , by treating your property with mosquito spray. Call to us today at 508.695.2984 and talk to us about our mosquito control and tick control service.