Boston Confirms First Human West Nile Virus Case In 2022

BOSTON, MA — A person living in Boston has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first case of the disease in a city resident so far in 2022.

City officials said they didn't know if the person contracted West Nile in Boston, but the metro area has one of the highest risk levels for the virus in the state. The Boston area stretching west to Natick and north to Woburn is at "moderate" risk, while every other part of the state except Edgartown is at "low" risk, according to state health officials.

The higher risk level is due to mosquitoes that previously tested positive for West Nile this summer.

"During this time of the year and into the fall, it’s very important for residents to take proper precautions. Use bug spray, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn for prolonged periods of time, and wear long clothing to avoid becoming infected," Boston Commissioner of Public Health Bisola Ojikutu said in a news release.

West Nile is rare, and in most cases patients have no symptoms. In cases where someone gets sick, symptoms include fever, headache and confusion. About 1 percent of patients develop either encephalitis or meningitis, which can lead to coma and paralysis in rare cases. People over age 50 are at higher risk of severe complications.