State announces season’s first mosquito sample positive for West Nile Virus

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

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) said that the samples were collected on June 25 in Quincy. Confirmation of the virus’s presence was made on Tuesday.

So far this year, there have been no human or animal cases of West Nile Virus. In 2023, there were six human cases of West Nile Virus. In addition, there have not been any human cases of another mosquito-borne illness, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), so far this year.

“This is the beginning of our mosquito season in Massachusetts. From now on, we expect mosquito populations to increase, and we will start to see more of them carrying WNV,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown in a statement.

Mass. DPH added that, while West Nile Virus can infect anyone, those who are over 50 years old are at higher risk for severe disease. They added that most people who are infected will have no symptoms, but when symptoms are present, they include fever and flu-like symptoms.

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

Mass. DPH provided the following information on how to protect you and your family from West Nile Virus:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), 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 at least once a week 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 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.

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