State Health Officials Announce Two Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus
WNV risk levels remain elevated in multiple
communities
BOSTON (October 4, 2024) – The Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional human cases of
West Nile virus (WNV), bringing the total number of cases in the state this
year to 15. Both individuals are women. One is in her 60s who was most likely
exposed in Middlesex County; the other is in her 70s with likely out-of-state
exposure.
There are no risk level changes associated with these
findings.
There have been 333 WNV-positive mosquito samples so far
this year detected from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin,
Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. Last
year, there were six human cases of WNV and no animal cases. No animal cases of
WNV have been detected so far this year.
The risk from WNV decreases throughout the Fall months, but
some risk for WNV will continue until the first hard frost. People have an
important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from
illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a
repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET
(N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon
eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions
on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two
months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on
older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under
three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from
dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling
outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high
risk.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing
long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away
from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs
in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes
to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters
and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in
birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes
outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners
should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by
eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading
pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito
breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock
areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce
their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their
veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and
vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is
suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department
of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795,
and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive
results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page
at Mosquito-borne
Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the
DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
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