A woman in her 60s has been confirmed as the second human West Nile virus case in Massachusetts this year, the state health department announced Wednesday.
The woman was exposed to the mosquito-borne virus in Essex County, the Department of Public Health said in a press release.
Massachusetts’ first human West Nile virus case of the year was announced just a day prior. A woman in her 70s was exposed to the virus in Middlesex County, the health department said previously.
As a result of the two cases and ongoing tracking of West Nile virus in local mosquito populations, state officials have raised the West Nile virus risk level to high in Belmont, Cambridge, Everett, Malden, Melrose, Revere, Saugus, Somerville, Wakefield and Watertown, the health department said.
The West Nile virus risk level is also estimated to be high in Dracut, Lowell, Chelmsford, Billerica, Bedford, Carlisle, Acton, Boston, Brookline and Newton, according to the state’s virus-tracking map. The virus risk level has been determined to be moderate in 183 other Massachusetts communities across the state.
“Massachusetts is in peak season for the spread of West Nile virus,” state Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said in the release. “While the temperatures have dropped slightly, this is the time of year when most people get exposed to the virus.”
The first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes detected in the state this year were announced on June 17, the health department said. Since then, 364 mosquito samples have tested positive for the virus.
West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples have been collected in every county in Massachusetts this year, except for in Nantucket and Hampshire Counties, the health department said.
Tips for Avoiding Mosquito-borne Illnesses
- When going outside, use an insect repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus
- Use insect repellents as instructed by the manufacturer
- Avoid being outside from dusk to dawn, which is when mosquitos are most active
- Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors to protect your skin from mosquitos
- Drain still water from containers around your home to prevent mosquitos from laying eggs in the water
- Install and repair all door and window screens to help keep mosquitos out of your home
- Ask your vet about pet-safe insect repellents that you can use on pets who go outdoors
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
