Springfield health official issues advisory on West Nile after positive test

SPRINGFIELD — The city’s Department of Health and Human Services says a mosquito sample taken in Springfield was found positive for the West Nile virus.

People are urged to take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes.

The virus can produce high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions in people, along with muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC says the virus is commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris said while the risk of catching the West Nile virus is low, it’s important for the residents of Springfield to be aware of it.

She said positive cases have also been reported in East Longmeadow, South Hadley and West Springfield, as well as elsewhere in Massachusetts.

“This positive test of a mosquito here in Springfield is not a surprise,” she said in a statement.

Precautions include:

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