'People should take precautions.' West Nile virus is on Cape Cod again. What to know.

Two Massachusetts residents tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), as of Aug. 29, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

On Cape Cod, the virus has also been detected in a mosquito sample collected from the town of Barnstable, the department said on Thursday. The virus was detected in a sample from West Barnstable on Aug. 24, and in another mosquito sample collected on Aug. 24 in the Fort Hill area in Eastham, according to the Barnstable County website.

Of the two human cases, one individual was exposed in Middlesex County and the other contracted the virus outside of the state, according to the state.

“August and September are the months when most people are exposed to West Nile virus in Massachusetts,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein, in a statement.

“Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread this virus are fairly large this year and we have seen recent increases in the number of WNV-positive mosquito samples from multiple parts of the Commonwealth.”

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas.

“West Nile virus is usually spread by mosquito species that lay their eggs mostly in man-made containers,” said Gabrielle Sakolsky, superintendent of Cape Cod Mosquito Control. 

What are the symptoms of West Nile virus?

Most people who become infected with the virus don’t get ill, but about 20% experience symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, skin rash and tiredness, according to the release. Some people may experience severe headaches, confusion, neck stiffness and muscle weakness. Those 50 years and older have a higher risk of severe complications.

How can you protect yourself from West Nile virus?

Common procedures include emptying any standing water around your home, including in flowerpots and pet bowls, to reduce breeding grounds for the insects.

According to Sakolsky, other precautions include using insect repellent with DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, limiting outdoor activity at dusk and dawn (when mosquitoes are most active) and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside.

“After all the rain we've had this year, it's very important that people go around their yard and empty out any containers that are holding water,” said Sakolsky.

In 2018: Cape incident among record number of West Nile cases

“Even though we're at low risk, the virus may be circling around and people should take precautions not to be bitten by mosquitoes,” she said.

Cape Cod Mosquito Control Project staff worked over the Labor Day weekend, looking for mosquito larva and applying larvicides when found.

“We will continue to work closely with the MDPH Arbovirus Surveillance Program and Cape Cod Mosquito Control on mosquito control and surveillance efforts,” the Inspectional Services Department of the Public Health Division in Barnstable shared in a statement.

For more information about the virus: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv

Rasheek Tabassum Mujib writes about health care and education. Reach her at rmujib@capecodonline.com.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Mosquitoes with West Nile virus in Barnstable, Eastham