Brookline Is Now At Moderate Risk For West Nile Virus

BROOKLINE, MA — Brookline has been deemed a moderate risk community for West Nile Virus (WNV) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), said the town in a news release Thursday.

Brookline's elevated risk level comes after the detection of increased WNV activity in the Boston area, said health officials. Although no human cases of WNV have been reported this year, residents should still take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

“Residents should always be taking precautions to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett in a statement. “There are simple steps everyone can take to prevent mosquito bites, breeding and infestations, and reduce their risk of coming into contact with a mosquito carrying the virus.”

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. In 2019, five people had WNV in Massachusetts.

The Town of Brookline works to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by treating stormwater basins and wetland areas and by working with residents and business owners to remove large sources of standing water.

For more information on WNV and a list of safety tips, click here.