Massachusetts health officials reported the state's first human case of West Nile virus this year, involving a man in his 90s who was exposed in Middlesex County.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also raised West Nile virus risk levels to moderate in 70 communities as the virus continues to be detected in mosquitoes across the state.
The elevated risk communities are in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties. The agency said this action follows the human case and continued mosquito detections statewide.
Residents are advised to use an insect repellent when outdoors, beware of peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn, and to reconsider outdoor activities in the evening and morning.
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limiting the number of places around a home for mosquitoes to breed can be done 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.
Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
"West Nile virus can be a devastating disease, especially for those who are older or have compromised immune systems. This first case in Massachusetts should remind people across the state that risk remains high," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. "The end of August is frequently a time for people to enjoy being outside before the start of the school year and the arrival of fall, but I want to remind everyone of the importance of taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.
"While most people exposed to WNV will not develop serious illness, some may develop very severe illness requiring hospitalization. In some cases, the disease can be fatal."
The first West Nile-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this season were announced on June 16. So far this year, 180 West Nile-positive mosquito samples have been detected in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester counties, according to the Department of Public Health.
"The mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost," said State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown. "People should use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, clothing to reduce exposed skin, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning when mosquitoes are most active."
The announcement came one day after state officials said Eastern equine encephalitis virus was confirmed in two mosquito samples collected in Kingston in Plymouth County. According to the Department of Public Health, there have been no Eastern equine encephalitis human or animal cases reported so far this year.
The department said people have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Health officials urged residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites as mosquito season continues.
Residents are advised to use an insect repellent when outdoors, beware of peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn and to reconsider outdoor activities in the evening and morning.
Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limiting the number of places around a home for mosquitoes to breed can be done 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.
Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
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