West Nile Virus Risk Elevated to High in Cambridge

State Health Officials Announce Season’s Second Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

On August 24, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH)  announced the second human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Massachusetts. State officials raised the risk for WNV in Cambridge and six other Metro Boston communities to high as a result. MA DPH reported that the second case does not live in Cambridge, but nearby. 

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

Residents have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

There are simple things residents can do to prevent mosquito bites: 

• Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Follow the directions on the package.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours (dusk to dawn).  
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Mosquito-proof your home by draining standing water and using tight-fitting screens in windows and doors.
• Use 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 MA DPH website. You can also check MA DPH’s online risk level maps for updates on when and where WNV activity is occurring.