Medford Area Now At 'High' Risk For West Nile Virus

MEDFORD, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for the West Nile Virus to "high" in the Medford area, the city announced late last week.

The DPH raised risk levels from moderate to high in communities in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties due to increasing virus activity.

A mosquito sample taken in Medford tested positive for the virus in June.

To prevent mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus and EEE, community members can and should take the following precautions:

• Use mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient (such as DEET).
• Limit outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, when mosquito activity is most likely.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
• Limit the number of places around your home where there is standing water; mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
• Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are tight-fitting.

More information can be found at www.mass.gov/mosquitoesandticks.