Somerville's West Nile Virus Risk Raised To High

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city's risk level for West Nile virus has been elevated to high following the confirmation of the first two human cases in Massachusetts this year, city officials announced.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health elevated Somerville's risk level after confirming the virus in a man in his 60s and a man in his 90s, both of whom were exposed in Middlesex County. Several neighboring communities have also been elevated to high risk. During a high-risk period, state health officials recommend that people over 50 take additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites because they are at greater risk of severe illness.

Subscribe

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, though about 1 in 5 develop a fever along with symptoms that can include headaches, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash. Most recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can persist for weeks or months. About 1 in 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system, including meningitis or encephalitis. Older adults and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of severe illness, which in some cases can result in lasting effects or death.

Somerville officials are encouraging residents to use insect repellent when spending time outdoors and to wear long sleeves, pants, and socks when practical. Residents should also consider limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active, particularly while the community remains at high risk.

Homeowners can help reduce mosquito breeding by eliminating standing water around their properties, including water collected in rain gutters, drains, unused flowerpots, wading pools and birdbaths. Window and door screens should also be tightly fitted and repaired or replaced if damaged.

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. The first West Nile-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this season were announced on June 16. So far, 227 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus, while seven have tested positive for EEE. No human or animal cases of EEE have been reported this year.

See Also:

SomerStreets Coming To Gilman Square In September

Somerville Civic Day Returning To City Hall

Somerville Early Voting Schedule For Primary Election

Somerville Cell Phone Store Repeated Target Of Robberies

Somerville To Celebrate Brazilian Independence With Annual Flag Raising