Mosquitoes In Brookline Test Positive For West Nile Virus

BROOKLINE, MA – Mosquitoes samples collected in Brookline on Thursday have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), according to the town's Department of Public Health.

According to state health officials, WNV is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illnesses ranging from a mild fever to more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. It was first identified in the United States in 1999 and is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no symptoms, but about 20 percent of those who become infected can experience symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and swollen lymph glands. They may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Less than one percent of people infected develop severe illness and those over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe WNV disease.

Brookline residents are encouraged to be aware of the risks posed by mosquito-borne viruses and take precautions against WNV infection.

In Massachusetts, public health surveillance is done for two mosquito-borne viruses — WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The period of highest risk of getting either disease can be from late July through the fall.

Mosquitoes get WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals can get these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Anyone with questions about mosquito-borne viruses should contact the Brookline Department of Public Health at 617-730-2300. Information about WNV can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website.