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Second human case of West Nile virus identified in Massachusetts
Health officials said 184 mosquito samples tested positive this year as they urged residents to use repellent and avoid mosquito bites.
- On Monday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised West Nile virus risk to high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown, following a second confirmed human case of the season.
- Both cases involved exposure in Middlesex County: a man in his 60s confirmed yesterday, and a man in his 90s reported last week, according to state officials.
- Surveillance efforts identified 184 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples across Massachusetts this year. About 20% of infected individuals may experience fever, headache, body aches, or nausea, though most have no symptoms.
- "We are currently in peak season for WNV in mosquitoes, and the risk for many across Massachusetts is high," Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said. Older individuals and those with compromised immune systems face greatest risk.
- Officials urge residents to use EPA-registered repellents, drain standing water, and avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn. These precautions remain essential until the first hard frost, when mosquito activity declines.
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State’s second human case of West Nile virus this year reported in Middlesex County - The Boston Globe
Officials have raised the risk level for contracting the mosquito-borne virus to high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown.
·Boston, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center8Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Center
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources are Center
80% Center
L 20%
C 80%
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