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EASTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The first mosquito in the state to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) this year has been found, the Department of Public Health announced Wednesday.
The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of WNV in a mosquito sample collected July 11 in the town of Easton.
No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far in 2022.
"West Nile virus is part of summer in Massachusetts, and we expect to see infected mosquitoes at this time of year," said Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. "Now is the time to start taking steps to avoid mosquito bites. While WNV can cause serious illness, there are things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones."
West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans through infected mosquito bites. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they tend to include fever and flu-like illness.
To prevent mosquito bites, health officials recommend using bug repellent, wearing longer clothing, draining standing water, and repairing window screens in homes.
There were 11 cases of WNV in Massachusetts in 2021.
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