West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples detected in the region

Over the past two weeks, West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes in the region for the first time this year. The presence of WNV was confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in mosquito samples collected in Boston and Newton.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people do not get sick from WNV, people over the age of 60 and those with certain chronic medical conditions are more likely to develop severe illness.  

Right now the WSN risk in Massachusetts is low. No human or animal cases of WNV have been detected so far this year. 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Health officials urge residents to start using mosquito repellent when outdoors and other measures to avoid mosquito bites to reduce their risk of WNV. These include:

• Being aware of peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).  
• Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Mosquito-proofing your home by draining standing water and using tight-fitting screens in windows and doors.
• Using mosquito netting on strollers and playpens.

More information about mosquito-borne illnesses can be found on the Cambridge Public Health Department’s website and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website. You can also check DPH’s online risk level maps for updates on when and where WNV activity is occurring.