Community Corner

West Nile Virus Found in Charlestown Mosquitoes

West Nile virus can prove to be fatal in some cases, causing inflammation of the brain.

Mosquitoes in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood have tested positive for West Nile virus, the Boston Public Health Commission announced.

Charlestown joins Boston’s West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Roslindale and Mattapan neighborhoods to have tested positive for the virus this summer.

Folks of all ages are susceptible to contracting West Nile virus. Those over the age of 50 are at an elevated risk.

Find out what's happening in Charlestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Most people infected with West Nile virus don’t experience any signs or symptoms, or may experience only minor ones, such as fever and mild headache. However, some people who become infected with West Nile virus develop a life-threatening illness, according to The Mayo Clinic.

Just one person has been confirmed to have West Nile virus in Massachusetts in 2015. Six human cases were reported in 2014.

Find out what's happening in Charlestownfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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