SEEKONK — Local health officials are reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquitoes after a batch of them in town tested positive for the West Nile virus in the recent days. Mosquitoes carrying the virus were also found in Somerset and Fall River earlier this month.

In extreme cases, West Nile can cause headaches, high fever, neck stiffness, convulsions and paralysis. People older than 50 face the highest risk.

“Serious illness caused by West Nile virus is uncommon and has been identified in a small number of people in Massachusetts for the past several years,” according to a state Board of Health news release. “Additionally, West Nile has been found in horses, mosquitoes and many species of birds throughout the state. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and these mosquitoes are found in the city as well as in the woods and other less populated places.”

Officials said people can protect themselves by limiting activity from dusk to dawn, which is the peak biting time for many mosquitoes.

They should also, if possible, wear long sleeves, long pants and socks to limit possible biting sites and to use insect repellent with DEET (also known as N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin (which should only be applied to clothing, not skin), picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, also know as PMD.

DEET products should not be used on infants younger than two months. If used on older children, the concentration should be 30 percent or less.

Homeowners should also remove the standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs and make sure screens are in good repair. In addition, windows and door screens should be kept in good condition and mosquito nettings should be used to cover carriages and playpens.

Residents wishing to have their area sprayed can call the Bristol County Mosquito Control at 823-5253.