[ad_1]
BOSTON – The risk level for West Nile virus has increased from moderate to high in 27 communities in Massachusetts, the state’s Department of Public Health said on Friday. The announcement follows a DPH report that West Nile’s first animal case in MA for 2021 has been confirmed in an alpaca from Middlesex County.
Four human cases from West Nile have been reported in the state this year, DPH said. Last year there were a total of five human cases from West Nile, Massachusetts.
“Based on the occurrence of animal and human cases, populations above the average for the Culex mosquitoes that carry [West Nile Virus], recent rainfall and weather conditions favorable for mosquito activity, the risk level of WNV is increasing in 27 communities from moderate to high, ”DPH wrote on Friday.
These communities are:
Essex County
Middlesex County
- Arlington
- Bedford
- Belmont
- Burlington
- Cambridge
- Everett
- Lexington
- Lincoln
- Malden
- Medford
- Melrose
- Newton
- Reading
- Somerville
- Stoneham
- Wakefield
- Waltham
- Water town
- Winchester
- Woburn
Norfolk County
Suffolk County
- Boston
- Chelsea
- Revere
- Winthrop
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for serious illness. Most people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms. When present, symptoms of WNV can include fever and flu-like illness.
To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to use insect repellant when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito times, wear appropriate clothing to reduce bites, drain standing water around their home and installing or repairing screens on all windows and doors.
Mosquitoes are most active from dawn to dusk from July to September, but can be active until November. For more information on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes, you can visit the MA DPH website.
Download the Free Boston 25 News app for the latest news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
© 2021 Cox Media Group
[ad_2]
Source link