Wayland West Nile Virus Risk Raised To High After 4 MA Cases

WAYLAND, MA — The risk for a potentially deadly virus has been raised in Wayland.

There are four confirmed human WNV infections this season, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. As a result, the risk level for multiple communities in the state has been raised to high, including in Wayland.

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"Given how many mosquitoes have been found carrying West Nile virus this summer, we expected that there would be human infections this year," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season, which is likely still many weeks away."

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state were announced on June 17. Since then, 376 mosquito samples in Massachusetts have tested positive for the virus, according to the DPH. There has also been one animal case this year in a goat.

To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, residents are encouraged to practice the 5 Ds:

• Dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible.
• Deet is an effective insect repellent.
• Dawn and Dusk are the most active periods for mosquitoes.
• Drain water from containers weekly.

Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will have no symptoms, but some could experience fever or flu-like illness. In the most severe cases, the virus can be deadly.

In 2024, 19 human cases were reported in Massachusetts.

Related: First MA Human West Nile Virus Case Of Season Confirmed