Massachusetts Reports First Human Case of West Nile Virus This Season
BOSTON, MA – State health officials today announced the first confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Massachusetts for the 2024 season. The proclamation comes as mosquito populations remain active and officials urge residents too take precautions against bites until the first hard frost.
“The mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “People should use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, clothing to reduce exposed skin, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.”
The Department of Public Health (DPH) emphasizes that individuals play a crucial role in protecting themselves and their families from mosquito-borne illnesses.
Protecting Yourself and Your Home:
Officials recommend the following steps to avoid mosquito bites:
Repellent Use: apply insect repellent containing EPA-registered ingredients like DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535), following all product label instructions. DEET should not be used on infants under two months old, and concentrations should be 30 percent or less for older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is not recommended for children under three years of age.
Peak Hours Awareness: Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn.Reschedule outdoor activities during these peak biting times, especially in high-risk areas.
Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to minimize exposed skin.
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Regularly drain or discard items that collect water, including rain gutters, flowerpots, wading pools, and birdbaths.* Screen Maintenance: Ensure windows and doors have tightly fitting screens to keep mosquitoes out.
Protecting Animals:
Animal owners should also take steps to reduce mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers like buckets and tires, especially after rainfall. Water troughs should be flushed weekly during the summer. Horse owners are advised to stable horses indoors at night and consult with a veterinarian regarding approved mosquito repellents and vaccinations for West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Suspected cases of WNV or EEE in animals must be reported to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.
For more facts on mosquito-borne diseases, including daily updates on WNV and EEE surveillance results, visit DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page or call the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
