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MA West Nile Virus Risk Elevated
12 Sep
Summary
- State's seventh human West Nile Virus case confirmed in Massachusetts.
- Risk level raised to moderate across most of the state.
- Public health officials urge continued mosquito protection measures.
The risk level for West Nile Virus (WNV) has been heightened in Massachusetts due to the recent confirmation of the state's seventh human infection. This latest case is a man in his 60s who was exposed to the virus in Worcester County.
As a consequence, most of Massachusetts is now under a moderate risk alert for WNV. Only Dukes and Nantucket counties, along with Provincetown and Truro in Barnstable County, remain at a low risk level. However, risk levels are considered high in several metropolitan areas, including Boston and its surrounding communities.
Public health officials emphasize that mosquitoes remain active and the virus continues to spread. Protective measures such as using repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants are recommended until the first hard frost, which typically signifies the end of mosquito season.
Since June 16, when the first WNV-positive mosquitoes were detected, 307 mosquito samples across numerous counties have tested positive for the virus. Eastern equine encephalitis has also been found in mosquitoes, though no human cases have been reported.
