West Nile Virus Alert: 8 MA Communities Now 'High Risk'

MASSACHUSETTS — Eight Massachusetts communities are now considered "high risk" for West Nile virus transmission, including Boston, Brockton, and six other towns in Plymouth County.

Abington, East Bridgewater, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Whitman in Plymouth County join Brockton and Boston in Suffolk County as "high-risk" cities and towns.

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year were announcedon July 2 from Quincy.

The state said that 262 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples have been detected in most counties across the state, including Barnstable, Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk and Worcester. The risk of human infection with WNV is considered "moderate" throughout Bristol, Norfolk, and the rest of Plymouth County and in parts of Barnstable, Berkshire, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

"We are finding evidence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in multiple parts of the Commonwealth," said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. "While most people do not get severely ill from WNV, it is still important to take it seriously. People at greatest risk for severe disease from WNV infection include those over 60 years of age and people
with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants."

Mosquito bites are the most common way to transfer the disease. There were six human cases diagnosed in Massachusetts in 2023 and two already diagnosed in 2024.

"The risk from WNV is pretty widespread this year," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. "In addition to recommending that people use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient and clothing to reduce exposed skin, check your window screens to be sure they don't have holes and empty any containers that accumulate water around your yard."

Residents are advised to avoid mosquito bites by using insect repellent outdoors that includes DEET, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Care is especially important around the hours of dawn and dusk when mosquito activity is highest.

Long-sleeved clothing and full-length pants with socks will help keep mosquitos away from the skin.

Residents are also asked to clear standing water near their homes where mosquitos can breed and install or repair exterior gaps to keep them out of houses.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)