The Massachusetts Department of Public Health advised citizens to take precautions against the mosquito-borne illness after raising the risk level for West Nile Virus (WNV) to high in numerous communities.
According to State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown, the number of WNV discoveries in mosquitoes has increased significantly in recent weeks. In order to take precautions, people should be aware that we are currently in the peak period for the spread of diseases carried by mosquitoes.
Due to persistent findings of virus-carrying mosquito samples, health officials increased the risk level for a number of municipalities, including Boston. According to DPH, 168 WNV-positive mosquito samples have been found in 12 Massachusetts counties since June 17.
According to DPH, a goat in Lunenburg has also been verified to have contracted West Nile this year. So far this summer, no human instances have been documented.
According to the CDC, the virus is the main cause of mosquito-borne illness in the continental United States. According to the CDC, there are currently no treatments or vaccinations for the illness. Only a small percentage of infected individuals become significantly or dangerously ill, whereas many do not experience any symptoms at all.
Along with Boston, Acton, Bedford, Billerica, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, and Newton also have elevated WNV risk levels.
In a few of communities, DPH also increased risk levels to moderate for Eastern equine encephalitis, another illness spread by mosquitoes. This year, the state has found seven mosquito samples that tested positive for EEE.
Massachusetts residents are at risk from both EEE and the West Nile virus, according to Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. The persistently warm and moderately humid weather makes mosquitoes more active.
Four human instances of EEE, including one fatal case, and 19 West Nile cases were reported in Massachusetts in 2024.
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People over 50 and those with impaired immune systems are more susceptible to serious West Nile infection, according to a warning from the Boston Public Health Commission. Residents who have symptoms such a high fever, excruciating headache, disorientation, poor coordination, and muscle weakness should get in touch with a doctor right away.
Residents are urged by health officials to think about taking preventative measures such as applying insect repellent outside, avoiding mosquitoes between dark and morning, covering their skin when outside, draining standing water where mosquitoes may spawn, and placing screens in windows and doors.
Visit mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases for additional information on mosquito-borne illnesses and precautions.
