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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) announced the detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitos in Massachusetts for the first time this year Friday.
Mass DPH said the presence of WNV was confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito sample collected in Brookline on July 6.
No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year, health officials said.
The virus is typically transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people of all ages. People over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with the virus will experience no symptoms, however symptoms can include fever and flu-like illness.
You can protect yourself from WNV by taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Apply insect repellent when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito hours from dawn to dusk, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities planned for evening or early morning hours.
It's also important to mosquito proof your home by draining any standing water where the insects might lay their eggs and make sure to install or repair any screens as needed.
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