PITTSFIELD -- West Nile virus has again been detected in Pittsfield.
On Thursday, the city announced three positive results: two collected at the Allendale Pines mobile home park on Cheshire Road and one taken from Garland Avenue.
The city has recorded six positive results since July 31. The virus has also been detected on outer West Street in the vicinity of Lillybrook Road, upper North Street and the South Street intersection with Dan Fox Drive.
Central Berkshires A mosquito sample from outer West Street in Pittsfield has produced another positive test for West Nile virus By Greg Sukiennik, The Berkshire Eagle 1 min to read
The state Department of Public Health now categorizes most of the Berkshires as being at moderate risk for West Nile virus, with only Hinsdale, Peru, Windsor, Savoy, Cheshire, Adams, New Ashford and Williamstown remaining at low risk.
DPH has recorded 279 positive mosquito test samples for the virus in Massachusetts this year, but there have been no known human cases. A single animal case was documented on June 7 in the Worcester County town of Lunenburg.
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There's currently no vaccine or treatment for the virus, but the majority of people infected by mosquito bites -- around four out of five -- don't experience any symptoms. For those who do, symptoms may include fever, headache, or body aches.
Central Berkshires West Nile virus has been detected in Pittsfield. Here's how you can stay safe By Maryjane Williams, The Berkshire Eagle 1 min to read
In rare cases, about one in 150, the virus can cause severe, potentially life-threatening illness. People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing such illness.
Mosquito season typically lasts through October. According to Chris Horton of the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, mosquito season ends as soon as temperatures hit 28 degrees for several hours and the region gets a hard frost.
Residents are advised to use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or permethrin-treated clothing. It's also recommended residents wear long sleeves and pants outdoors and limit outdoor activity at dusk and dawn.
Home prevention measures to avoid exposure include draining standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding, checking gutters, and ensuring window and door screens fit tightly.