PITTSFIELD — West Nile virus has been detected in Pittsfield. However, every city and town in Berkshire County remains at low risk for West Nile virus.

The virus was found in mosquitoes collected July 1 near King Street at Pittsfield Cemetery. It is the third positive result in Berkshire County and the eighth in the state.

An area of King Street adjacent to the cemetery was previously flagged at a May 6 Board of Health meeting as having the potential to breed mosquitoes because of standing water.

"There is some water in there," Chris Horton, superintendent of the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, said. "There's just nothing that can be done about it. It's a pocket and under the right conditions, it'll fill up. That's on our list of places to look at."

During that meeting, Horton proposed adult control measures (spraying) if continuously positive West Nile virus samples are found. Insecticide spraying was discontinued by City Council in 2021, citing health concerns. The Board of Health continued its vote on the city's mosquito control plan and has not met since. Its next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Last year, Massachusetts registered nine human cases of West Nile virus, while Pittsfield had seven positive mosquito test results. Clarksburg logged Berkshire County’s first positive result this year on June 16, and Lanesborough recorded a second on June 24. No human cases of West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis — another illness spread through mosquito bites — have yet been detected in the state.

West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There’s currently no vaccine or treatment for the virus, but about four out of five people who are infected don’t experience any symptoms. Those who do may experience fever, headache or body aches.

In rare cases — about one in 150 — the virus can cause a severe, potentially life-threatening illness. People over 50 are at greater risk of developing a severe illness.

To combat West Nile, the city is applying larvicide, treating catch basins and conducting targeted education programs that include distributing fact sheets about how to reduce exposure to mosquitoes.

"We're trying to keep the mosquito population as low as possible for as long as possible through larval control," Horton said.

City officials urged residents to use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outdoors, and to use permethrin products on clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear according to label directions.

"Although it may be difficult to do when it's hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin," a statement from the city reads.

Residents should avoid outdoor activities in the evening and early morning, when mosquitoes are most active.

"The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes," the city said.

Homeowners can help reduce mosquito populations by draining standing water and checking gutters, wading pools and birdbaths.

"They tend to like catch basins, small containers, flower pots, swimming pools, boats," Horton said.

Homeowners can also repair or install screens, making sure they fit tightly to prevent mosquitoes from getting indoors.