Massachusetts: State confirms West Nile in mosquito pools in Quincy and Cohasset

State officials confirm West Nile virus has been found in samples of mosquitoes taken Quincy, Cohasset and Milton, while the Patriot Ledger reports the virus has been found in samples in Halifax and Brockton.

State Public Health Veterinarian Catherine Brown, from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health says personal prevention behavior is important this year. She suggests wearing bug spray and light long sleeve clothing to avoid being bit.

State records show that the mosquitoes infected with West Nile were detected in three samples taken in Quincy late last week, while the virus was detected in Cohasset from one sample taken last week.

The state declined to confirm if samples tested positive in Halifax and Brockton.

So far this year, 20 mosquito pools throughout the state have tested positive for West Nile, while, as of Tuesday, there were no reports of humans or animals being infected with the virus.