State announces first mosquito sample of season tests positive for West Nile virus

(WGGB/WSHM) – State officials say the West Nile virus has been detected in two mosquito samples for the first time this year.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said the sample was taken in Quincy on June 25. The presence of the virus was confirmed on Tuesday.

There have been no human or animal cases of West Nile Virus so far this year. There have been six human cases of West Nile Virus infection in 2023. Additionally, there have been no human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), another mosquito-borne disease, so far this year.

“We are now at the beginning of mosquito season in Massachusetts, and we expect mosquito populations to increase and begin to see an increase in mosquitoes carrying WNV,” state epidemiologist Dr. Katherine Brown said in a statement.

The Massachusetts Department of Health added that anyone can be infected with West Nile virus, but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe illness. Most infected people are asymptomatic, but those who do experience symptoms will have a fever and flu-like symptoms, it added.

“This is an important reminder that people should take steps to avoid mosquito bites. WNV can cause serious illness and there are simple things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones,” state Public Health Director Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement.

The Massachusetts Department of Health has provided the following information about how to protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus:

Preventing mosquito bites

• Use insect repellent when you're outdoors. Use an insect repellent that contains EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), and lemon eucalyptus oil. [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to product label directions. Do not use DEET products on infants under 2 months of age or at a concentration of 30% or less on older children. Do not use lemon eucalyptus oil on children under 3 years of age.
• Be aware of the times when mosquitoes are most prevalent. Dusk to dawn is when most mosquitoes are most likely to bite. If you are in a high-risk area, consider rescheduling outdoor activities to the evening or early morning.
• Clothing can help reduce your risk of mosquito bites: Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when you're outdoors helps keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Protect your home from mosquitoes

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Reduce mosquito breeding sites around your home by draining or discarding any standing water. Check gutters and drains. Empty unused flower pots and watering pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens: Install tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

Protecting animals

• Animal owners should reduce mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water in buckets, tires, wading pools, and other containers, especially after heavy rains. Water tanks provide ideal habitats for mosquito breeding and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquito populations near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep their horses indoors in their stalls at night to reduce risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also consult with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. Owners should report any suspected WNV or EEE infection to the Department of Agriculture Resources Animal Health Division (617-626-1795) and Public Health (617-983-6800).

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