West Nile Virus Found In Somerville Mosquito Sample

SOMERVILLE, MA — West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Somerville, prompting city health officials to remind residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites and raise the city's risk level.

The city's risk level has now been raised from low to moderate. State officials said the first WNV-positive mosquitoes of the season were collected on Tuesday, June 16, and 21 mosquito samples have now tested positive statewide. There have been no reported human or animal cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this season.

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The announcement also prompted neighboring Arlington to issue a reminder that residents should continue taking precautions against mosquito bites, even though no WNV-positive mosquitoes have been detected there. Arlington's current risk level remains low.

According to Arlington officials, the town works with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project to monitor mosquito populations for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis. The mosquito control program includes annual biological larvicide treatments in catch basins throughout Arlington as well as aerial treatment of wetland areas in neighboring communities when necessary.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. While people of all ages can become infected, adults over age 50 face a higher risk of severe illness. Most people infected with the virus never develop symptoms, though some experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. In rare cases, the virus can affect the brain or nervous system.

Health officials are encouraging residents to reduce their risk of mosquito bites by using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or other EPA-approved ingredients, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, and limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Residents are also encouraged to drain standing water around their homes, including birdbaths, flowerpots, gutters and other containers where mosquitoes can breed, and to install or repair window and door screens to help keep mosquitoes out of their homes.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to conduct seasonal surveillance for both West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis, updating community risk levels throughout the summer as positive mosquito samples are identified. Residents can monitor the latest mosquito testing results and community risk levels through the state's online arbovirus surveillance maps.

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