On Friday, Aug. 2, the Board of Health was notified of a mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus in Mattapoisett. The announcement is the first of the season for the tri-town. Dale Barrows, Mattapoisett’s Board of Health agent, said the news is not unexpected.

“They’re around every summer at this time. We all know they’re there,” he said. “Around the beginning of August we start seeing those mosquitoes with EEE and West Nile Virus.”

West Nile Virus often produces flu-like symptoms. It can be dangerous, especially for the young and elderly. Some with the virus experience fevers, severe headaches, become disoriented, and feel weak. Seek medical care if such symptoms occur.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or EEE, is also a threat. The Mosquito-borne disease can cause inflammation of the brain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, though EEE is rare in humans, the mortality rate is approximately 33 percent for humans.

No one was reported with the disease in the area last year; however, a horse in Rochester died after being infected with EEE.

The State Board of Health conducts weekly tests on mosquitoes in the towns.

Superintendent of the Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project Anthony Texeira  said all but three or four towns in the county are still at low alert levels. A mosquito carrying EEE was found in Hannover.

While the threat is still low in the area, the  Board of Health wants to remind residents to take measures to avoid bites.

The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. To avoid bites, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors.

Use repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on the product label. Check the Board of Heath’s website for kid-safe repellents.

Around the house, drain standing water where mosquitoes breed and install or repair window screens.

These precautions should be observed until the first hard frost, usually the second or third week of October. For further information, contact the Board of Health office at 508-758-4100, ext. 8.