DPH: West Nile Virus detected in mosquitoes in 25 cities and towns across MA

QUINCY, Mass. — West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in more than two dozen cities and towns across the state, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health.

The virus is commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with West Nile. No human cases have been reported. The virus can infect people of all ages, but people 50 and older are a higher risk for severe infection.

So far, the virus has been detected in mosquitoes in 25 cities and towns. The most recent findings include Boston, Worcester, Quincy, Medway, Westwood, Sharon, Watertown and Waltham.

>>>MORE: DPH releases new data on breakthrough cases in MA

People are taking precautions and taking the news in stride.

“I use bug spray just to not get bit. I still just come out and enjoy being outside for summer,” said Julie Alarie of Quincy. “It won’t slow me down from being outside. I probably will use bug spray the same that I normally did, but it won’t slow me down.”

Health officials are warning people to be on guard and protect themselves. And they advise people in infected areas to avoid outdoors activities between dusk and dawn, to use repellent with DEET and remove any standing water because that’s where mosquitoes breed.

They also add that wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will also help keep mosquitoes away from you.

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