Newton Now At High Risk For West Nile Virus

WALTHAM, MA — The City of Newton is now considered at high risk for West Nile Virus (WNV), according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).

The elevated risk level is due to the occurrence of one animal and four human cases in the state, above-average populations of the Culex mosquitoes that carry WNV, recent rainfall, and weather favorable for mosquito activity.

"September is the month when we are most likely to see people get infected with West Nile virus," said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke in a statement. "While we advise everyone to take steps to avoid mosquito bites, this is especially important if you are over the age of 50 or have an immune compromising condition. It is also important to know that as overnight temperatures get cooler, mosquito activity right around dusk and dawn may be more intense."

WNV was first detected in Massachusetts in 1938 and can cause illness ranging from mild fever to more serious diseases such as encephalitis or meningitis. The most recent outbreak began in 2019 and included a total of 17 reported cases with seven fatalities.

To view Massachusetts DPH risk maps, click here. WNV prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available here.