Reading Now At 'Moderate' Risk For West Nile Virus

READING, MA — Reading is now considered at "moderate" risk for the West Nile Virus following updated guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The DPH upgraded 38 communities, including Reading, from "low" to "moderate" risk amid three confirmed human cases of the virus. The cases, a woman in her 80s, a man in his 50s and a man in his 70s, were reported in Middlesex County.

There have been no deaths associated with West Nile Virus this year.

"We are seeing significant expansion of virus activity in mosquitoes," said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. "Risk from West Nile virus will continue until the first hard frost. As we enjoy the unofficial last weekend of summer and then head back to school and work, it is important for people to remember to continue to take steps to avoid mosquito bites."

There were five human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts in 2020. The virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While it can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus will have no symptoms. When present, symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.