4 Massachusetts Communities at High Risk for West Nile Virus

Two new human cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Massachusetts this year, stated the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. 

One case involves a woman in her 60s from Middlesex County and a man in his 50s from Suffolk County. These recent reports bring the total number of confirmed human cases of West Nile virus in the state to eight this season.

Following these recent cases, state health officials have raised the West Nile virus risk level to high in Arlington, Chelsea, Medford, and Waltham.

According to a NewsCenter 5 Boston report, since the first detection of West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes on June 17, a total of 445 mosquito samples have tested positive across multiple counties. They include Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

The confirmed human cases and widespread mosquito activity have led to an elevated high-risk level in 47 cities and towns in Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. A moderate risk is present in 210 locations across Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

The Boston Globe reported that, in addition to West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in 23 EEE-positive mosquito samples this year. No human or animal cases have been reported yet, however.

Public health officials are reminding residents to check the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update webpage regularly. This page provides updated information on risk levels in communities around the state daily and offers details on new cases of West Nile virus and EEE.