WORCESTER, MA — A man exposed to West Nile virus in Worcester County has become the seventh person diagnosed with the mosquito-borne illness in Massachusetts this year.
The man is in his 60s, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. The new case and increased West Nile activity prompted the state to place Worcester and most other Massachusetts communities at moderate risk.
Massachusetts had reported six human cases as of Wednesday, including a man in his 70s believed to have contracted the virus north of Boston.
"Mosquitoes remain active, and West Nile virus continues to spread," Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said. "Because some risk will continue until the first hard frost, I want to encourage everyone to keep using mosquito repellent and take other protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin when spending time outdoors."
The first West Nile-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year were announced June 16. Since then, 307 mosquito samples from 13 counties, including Worcester County, have tested positive. No animal cases have been reported.
The increase comes during an active year for West Nile virus nationwide. The country recorded its earliest start to a West Nile season and its highest case count through the end of June since 2004. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recorded 407 human cases in its latest count.
West Nile virus is rarely fatal, but a small share of infections can cause meningitis or encephalitis, a potentially life-threatening inflammation of the brain. No human vaccine or specific antiviral treatment exists for West Nile virus.
State officials are also monitoring Eastern equine encephalitis. Fourteen Massachusetts mosquito samples have tested positive for EEE this year, though no human or animal cases have been reported.
DPH recommends that residents use EPA-registered insect repellent, limit outdoor activity between dusk and dawn and wear long sleeves, pants and socks. Residents should also empty and scrub containers that collect water, clear clogged gutters and repair damaged window or door screens.
Mosquito eggs can remain attached to containers after water is dumped, making it important to scrub birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, buckets, toys and pet bowls, according to the Patch report.
DPH plans to release updated human case numbers each Friday. Local risk levels and surveillance results are available on the state's Massachusetts Arbovirus Update page.
See Also:
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Worcester Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.