Massachusetts Raises West Nile Virus Risk Level to High
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the West Nile virus (WNV) risk level to high for Boston and several Eastern Massachusetts communities, urging residents to take precautions against mosquito-borne infection.
Recent Surge in Mosquito Detections
State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown said mosquito detections of WNV have surged in recent weeks and that the region is now in the peak period for transmission to people. Officials stressed the importance of protective measures as mosquito activity increases.
Affected Municipalities and Recent Data
The risk increase affects multiple municipalities, including Boston, Acton, Bedford, Billerica, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell and Newton. Since June 17, the DPH reported 168 WNV-positive mosquito samples across 12 counties.
Animal Cases and Human Cases
One animal case has also been confirmed: a goat in Lunenburg tested positive for West Nile. No human cases have been reported so far this summer.
About West Nile Virus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies WNV as the le...