Norfolk County to be More 'Adamant' After Positive West Nile Result

The likelihood of someone becoming sick from West Nile Virus is "pretty low," according to the Norfolk County Mosquito Control.

The state Department of Health tested mosquitoes in Dedham positive for West Nile Virus in samples it collected on Aug. 19, it announced Tuesday. But with a relatively strong immune system, a person's chances of fighting off the virus without any symptoms is strong, said Chan Suom, an entomologist with the county.

With positive West Nile tests in Brookline last month and others in Worcester County, Suom said he and the county expect it to travel to Norfolk at some point this summer because of the proximity to the positive sites.

"Later in the season is when West Nile Virus has a higher chance of occurring," Suom said in a phone interview. "This is not too uncommon."

Many factors drive the spread of the virus including bird patterns, Suom said.

The county's mosquito control won't increase the amount it sprays, but it will be "more adamant" about spraying, the entomologist said. The NCMC received about $55,000 in state aid to pay for spraying in Dedham, according to NCMC records.

But Suom said they would send more mosquitoes to the lab for testing.

"Whatever is bordering the positive town, we will send mosquitoes from those traps," he said.

Both the state Department of Health and Suom suggest wearing long sleeve shirts and some type of bug spray, either with DEET or without DEET.

"It depends on a person's personal choice," Suom said.

In addition to spray and long sleeves, the health department recommends installing or repairing screens on doors and windows and to drain standing water.