HYANNIS – A sample taken from a pool of mosquitoes on Tuesday west of the Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis has tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
According to a statement from the Barnstable Public Health Divison, Cape Cod Mosquito Control will be treating the catch basins in the area and treating any other areas where they find mosquitoes.
The Barnstable Public Health Division and the Massachusetts Department of Health recommend limiting time outdoors at dusk and dawn, the peak periods of mosquito activity, and using mosquito repellent containing DEET to avoid bites.
They also warn parents to take extra care to cover up the legs and arms of children playing outside and that baby carriages or playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
Residents are also asked to remove any standing water from around homes that could be used for mosquito breeding as mosquitos will breed in water that lasts for more than four days.
Ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths and other items that can collect water should be checked to make sure water does not collect or stagnate.
There have been no birds or humans test positive for the virus this year in Barnstable.
The West Nile Virus was first found in mosquitoes in Massachusetts in 2000.
Information about West Nile Virus and reports of activity in the state during this summer can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
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