MA Woman Contracts West Nile Virus, Risk High in Boston Area

A woman in her 30s is the eighth individual to test positive for West Nile virus in Massachusetts. She was reportedly exposed to the virus in Middlesex County, an area where other cases have been identified this year. State public health officials have issued a high-risk alert for the mosquito-borne illness in several Boston-area communities, including Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop.

While the risk is high in these specific locations, most other areas of Massachusetts are at a moderate risk level for West Nile virus. This case marks the first woman to test positive for the virus in the state. Previous cases involved men exposed in Suffolk, Middlesex, and Worcester counties. No animal cases of West Nile virus have been reported, though it has been detected in 327 mosquito samples across all but one Massachusetts county.

Eastern equine encephalitis has also been detected in 21 mosquito samples, but no human or animal cases have been reported for that virus. Public health officials recommend preventative measures such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent when outdoors. Residents are also urged to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites by draining standing water from areas like flower pots and gutters.