A mosquito carrying the West Nile virus was found in West Wareham according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Tests were conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 16 and reported to the Wareham Board of Health on Sept. 19.

Board of Health officials said that the risk level remains low to moderate and that these findings, "highlight the need to encourage residents to take personal protection."

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

Officials cautioned that the weekend weather forecast indicates warm weather and advised taking precaution when outdoors such as wearing long sleeves/pants as well as using mosquito repellant containing DEET on unprotected areas of skin.

Peak hours for mosquito activity are between dusk and dawn.

A mosquito tested positive for West Nile virus in Wareham last August and Marion and Rochester also had a positive Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE) mosquito sample earlier this summer.

Click on the link below for a list of actions the Department of Health recommends to avoid mosquito bites.