West Nile Virus Detected In Boston Mosquitoes

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year.

The state's Public Health Department says mosquitoes collected Wednesday in Boston have tested positive for the virus that can cause mild to severe illness. The city health department said the mosquitoes were in two pools sampled in West Roxbury.

No human West Nile cases have been reported in the state this year. There were seven in 2010.

Public Health officials say people should apply insect repellant and wear long sleeves and pants to avoid mosquito bites, and drain standing water where mosquitoes breed.

Sixty-seven people have been diagnosed with West Nile virus in Massachusetts since 2000, and six have died.

New England's first West Nile case this year was reported June 21 in Bridgeport, Conn.