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BOSTON (WBZNewsRadio) — City officials announced on Friday that the risk level of West Nile Virus has been raised from low to moderate around Boston.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said increased detection of infected mosquitos in neighboring cities and towns is behind the raised infection risk.
So far, no one has been infected by West Nile Virus in Boston, though the Boston Public Health Commission said it is possible some people could be infected without knowing it.
BPHC said many people infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms. Some people do experience headaches, fevers, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. Symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks. In most cases, people with mild symptoms get better on their own, BPHC said.
In July, there have been 14 infected mosquito samples collected from Brookline, Pittsfield, Worcester, West Springfield, Boston, and Haverhill. On July 25, six mosquito samples collected from Watertown also tested positive for the virus, making it the most concentrated area seen so far this summer.
“The Boston Public Health Commission works closely with our partners at the State Department of Public Health to monitor mosquito pools and alert residents of the risk of West Nile Virus,” Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, executive director of BPHC, said in a statement. “During this time of the year and into the fall, we encourage residents to protect themselves by using insect repellant and wearing long sleeve clothing when outside from dusk to dawn for prolonged periods of time.”
The Boston Public Health Commission recommends the following to reduce the risk of getting bit by an infected mosquito:
- Avoid spending long periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, since mosquitos are the most active at this time.
- Wear long clothing and high socks to protect your skin from mosquitos.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.
- Ensure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.
- Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitos from breeding.
- Flip over unused kiddie pools and get rid of old tires, which are also known to attract mosquitos for breeding.
- Regularly clean out gutters and remove debris.
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