West Nile Virus Case confirmed in Massachusetts; Mosquito Threat Remains High
Boston, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. The case involves a woman in her 70s from Middlesex County, prompting renewed warnings for residents too take precautions against mosquito bites.
This confirmation comes as mosquito surveillance continues to reveal widespread WNV activity. To date, 319 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus across 12 Massachusetts counties, with three positive samples identified in Canton alone. Recent detections have also been reported in neighboring towns including Norwood,Walpole,Sharon,Holbrook,and Quincy.
“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease, and its presence in mosquitoes remains high right now in Massachusetts,” stated Public health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. “Despite the cooler september temperatures, the risk from WNV will persist for some time.Residents should continue to prioritize avoiding mosquito bites.”
Risk Levels Vary Across the State
Currently, the risk of WNV infection is considered high in 10 municipalities within suffolk and Middlesex counties.moderate risk levels are present throughout much of eastern massachusetts, encompassing all of Norfolk County.
Beyond WNV, public health officials are also monitoring for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). While Canton currently remains at low risk for EEE, the risk has been elevated to moderate in nearby Sharon and Foxborough, as well as a dozen surrounding communities in Bristol and Plymouth counties – an area historically prone to EEE activity.
Protect Yourself and Your Animals
State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown emphasizes that mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard frost. Residents are urged to take the following preventative measures:
use EPA-registered insect repellent: Apply repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Wear protective clothing: Cover exposed skin when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito hours (evening and early morning). Reschedule outdoor activities: Consider postponing outdoor activities during times when mosquitoes are most active.Pet and livestock owners should also take steps to minimize mosquito breeding grounds on their property:
Eliminate standing water: Remove water from containers like buckets, tires, and wading pools, especially after rainfall.
Protect livestock: Keep horses in indoor stalls overnight to reduce exposure.
Consult a veterinarian: Discuss mosquito repellents and vaccinations for EEE and WNV with your veterinarian.
Any suspected cases of WNV or EEE in animals should be reported promptly to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health (617-626-1795) and the Department of Public Health (617-983-6800).
Further details:
For thorough information on mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases.
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