West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said. The state health department said the presence of West Nile virus was confirmed Thursday by the state health lab in a mosquito sample collected on June 29 in the town of Medford in Middlesex County. Health officials said no human or animal cases of West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been detected so far this year. “There is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding,” the state health department said. “The first WNV infected mosquito of the season is always a signal that it is time to start taking steps to avoid mosquito bites,” acting DPH commissioner Margret Cooke says. “WNV is part of summer in Massachusetts and as we head into this long holiday weekend, it is important to remember that while WNV can cause serious illness, there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were eight human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts in 2020. In 2018, there were 49 human cases of West Nile virus infection in Massachusetts — the greatest number of cases the commonwealth has ever had in a single year. While West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected West Nile virus will have no symptoms. When present, West Nile virus symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.Health officials suggest applying insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading outside. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said.
The state health department said the presence of West Nile virus was confirmed Thursday by the state health lab in a mosquito sample collected on June 29 in the town of Medford in Middlesex County.
Health officials said no human or animal cases of West Nile virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been detected so far this year.
“There is no elevated risk level or risk-level change associated with this finding,” the state health department said.
“The first WNV infected mosquito of the season is always a signal that it is time to start taking steps to avoid mosquito bites,” acting DPH commissioner Margret Cooke says. “WNV is part of summer in Massachusetts and as we head into this long holiday weekend, it is important to remember that while WNV can cause serious illness, there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were eight human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts in 2020.
In 2018, there were 49 human cases of West Nile virus infection in Massachusetts — the greatest number of cases the commonwealth has ever had in a single year.
While West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
Most people infected West Nile virus will have no symptoms.
When present, West Nile virus symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.
Health officials suggest applying insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus before heading outside.
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.