Worcester West Nile Virus Risk Raised To High After 6 MA Cases

WORCESTER, MA — The risk for a potentially deadly virus has been raised in Worcester.

There have been six confirmed human WNV infections this season, including one in Worcester, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. As a result, the risk level for multiple communities in the state has been raised to high.

Related: Human West Nile Virus Case Detected In Worcester

“West Nile virus continues to spread, and people remain at risk,” said the state's Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein. “Risk will be highest when the weather is warm and humid and somewhat lower on cooler days and nights."

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state were announced on June 17. Since then, 376 mosquito samples in Massachusetts have tested positive for the virus, according to the DPH. There has also been one animal case this year in a goat.

To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, residents are encouraged to practice the 5 Ds:

• Dress in long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible.
• Deet is an effective insect repellent.
• Dawn and Dusk are the most active periods for mosquitoes.
• Drain water from containers weekly.

Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will have no symptoms, but some could experience fever or flu-like illness. In the most severe cases, the virus can be deadly.

In 2024, 19 human cases were reported in Massachusetts.

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