West Nile Virus Mosquitoes Found at Hanscom Air Base

Mosquitoes found on the Hanscom Air Force Base property have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Hanscom’s Public Health office.

The base has been trying to cut down the number of mosquitoes, according to 66th Air Base Group Commander Col. Lester A. Weilacher.

"We currently have efforts in place to mitigate the mosquito population; however, with these new positive findings, we decided to take the action to ensure people are aware of the situation and can take necessary precautions," Weilacher said.

West Nile is spread by mosquito bites and can infect people of all ages, but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing severe illness.

The risk of being infected can be reduced by using insect repellant, but products with DEET should not be used by infants under 2 months of age, and only those with 30 percent or less concentration of DEET should be used on older children. Products with oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3, according to the announcement by Hanscom.

For additional information visit www.cdc.gov, www.mass.gov/dph/moquito or contact Hanscom's Public Health Office at 781-225-6259.