- Department of Public Health
Media Contact
Omar Cabrera, Manager of Ethnic Media and Community Outreach
Boston — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. One is a man in his 80s who was exposed in Middlesex County, and the other is a man in his 70s with likely exposure in Suffolk County.
This marks the third human case of West Nile virus exposure in Middlesex County; the other two cases were also men, one in his 60s and the other in his 90s. This is also the second exposure in Suffolk County; previously, a man in his 50s was exposed there.
“As we all try to enjoy the last days of summer, we have to recognize the ongoing risk from WNV,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “People who are older or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk from this disease. I want to remind everyone to continue to use repellent, cover up with clothing when the weather permits, consider moving indoors during dusk to dawn hours when mosquitoes are biting, and make sure to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home. The mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost.”
The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this season were announced on June 16. So far, there have been 232 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected this year from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in seven mosquito samples this year from two locations in Plymouth County. No human or animal cases of EEE infection have been reported so far this year.
“Massachusetts has been responding to the threat of WNV for over 25 years now,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “Our first infected mosquitoes were identified in 2000, and human infections started in 2001. WNV can be a devastating disease, and over 275 Massachusetts residents are known to have been infected since then, most of them with the severe form of the disease, which affects the central nervous system. Taking steps to prevent mosquito bites can help keep you healthy for the rest of the season.”
Starting this Friday, DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday if new cases are confirmed. Surveillance information, including cases, will continue to be updated on a daily basis and posted online at the 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.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid mosquito bites
Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) 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 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-proof your home
Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Protect your animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
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