DPH Raises West Nile Virus Risk Level Across Massachusetts

The Department of Public Health on Tuesday raised the statewide risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate. It's only the second time in state history the statewide risk level has raised.

There have still not been any human West Nile cases reported this summer, officials said, but the recent humidity and rainfall create "perfect conditions for mosquito species carrying West Nile Virus to breed," according to Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel.

The DPH said 162 of the of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts were already at moderate risk.

"I strongly encourage everyone to keep using insect repellant and to be especially aware of mosquito activity at dusk and dawn when the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is greatest," said Bharel. "Move indoors if you are getting bitten."

Check out all the precautions encouraged by state health officials here.

Anyone can be infected with West Nile, but people over 50 are at higher risk. Many infected people don't exhibit symptoms, but symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness.

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