State Health Officials Announce Additional Human Cases of
West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
There have been three additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts, this brings the total number of confirmed WNV infections in the State this season to seven.
The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the State this year were announced on June 17. Since then, 442 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There has also been one animal case of WNV this year in a goat.
The risk for WNV is now High in 43 municipalities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Worcester counties and moderate in 201 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Ashland remains at High.
In addition to WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 23 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.
Surveillance information, including cases, will continue to be updated on a daily basis and posted online at Massachusetts Arbovirus Update. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay up to date on risk levels in their community and around the state.
Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season which is likely still weeks away. We are encouraging everyone to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including the use of mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin, and to drain anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes, by avoiding mosquito bites.
APPLY INSECT REPELLENT WHEN YOU GO OUTDOORS.
Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
CLOTHING CAN HELP REDUCE MOSQUITO BITES.
Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
BE AWARE OF PEAK MOSQUITO HOURS
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
DRAIN STANDING WATER
Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently.
INSTALL OR REPAIR SCREENS
Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Central Mass Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) is no longer accepting residential spray requests for the season. Spraying will continue as necessary for schools, Town events and virus detections. CMMCP will work to complete as many outstanding residential service requests as possible.