Wayland Joins West Nile Club, Becoming 11th Community In MA To Find Virus

WAYLAND, MA — Health officials have confirmed that a mosquito sample taken in Wayland has tested positive for West Nile virus, which poses a rare but potentially serious risk for humans.

The state Department of Public Health told Wayland health officials Wednesday that mosquitoes captured in the town tested positive for the disease. The first positive sample of the season was found in Quincy in early July.

"This is very early in the season for a WNV positive mosquito and is likely due to the mild winter and hot summer weather this past year," Wayland health officials said. "We should all be prepared to protect ourselves from mosquitoes and follow news alerts regarding mosquito-borne illness. The Health Department will monitor the situation in Wayland and any new data we receive from the state."

According to DPH, West Nile has been found in mosquito samples in 11 places across the state since the initial Quincy sample. Natick also had a positive sample collected July 11.

As of Thursday, every part of the state was rated as a "low" risk of contracting West Nile, according to DPH. That's the second step in a four-step risk level system. Last season, six people in Massachusetts contracted West Nile. Mosquitoes spread the potentially serious virus through bites.