The Health Department is encouraging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as West Nile Virus (WNV) activity continues across Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Aug. 31 that five human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been identified in Massachusetts this year, with cases reported in Middlesex and Suffolk counties.
No human cases of WNV have been reported in Bristol County at this time. North Attleborough’s current WNV risk level is moderate, along with many communities in Massachusetts.
State health officials have identified more than 230 WNV-positive mosquito samples across Massachusetts this season and are reminding residents that mosquito activity and the risk of mosquito-borne illness will continue until the first hard frost.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, some may experience fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. In rare cases, the virus can cause serious illness affecting the central nervous system. Older adults and people with compromised immune systems are at greater risk of severe illness.
The Health Department encourages residents to take the following precautions:
- Use insect repellent—When outdoors, use an EPA-registered mosquito repellent according to the product label, particularly between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Cover exposed skin—Wear long sleeves, long pants and socks when weather permits, especially during peak mosquito hours.
- Protect young children—Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens when outdoors.
- Remove standing water—Empty containers that collect water around the property at least twice a week. Check flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, children’s pools, gutters and other areas where water may accumulate.
- Check windows and doors—Repair damaged screens and make sure screens fit tightly to help keep mosquitoes outside.
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours—Consider limiting or rescheduling outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, particularly when mosquito activity is high.
- Stay informed—Residents are encouraged to monitor current mosquito-borne illness risk levels and updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Residents with swimming pools or other areas of stagnant water on their property should ensure they are properly maintained and should eliminate unnecessary sources of standing water whenever possible.
Animal owners should also take precautions. Water troughs and other containers should be emptied or flushed regularly, and horse owners are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about approved mosquito repellents and vaccinations against WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
For current WNV and EEE risk levels, mosquito testing results and additional prevention information, residents can visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s mosquito-borne disease resources at mass.gov/mosquitoes-and-ticks.