Local

Boston raises risk level for West Nile amid increase in infected mosquitos in Massachusetts

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

Mosquito on skin A Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito on a human finger. The Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is proven to be a vector associated with transmission of the West Nile Virus. Image courtesy CDC/William Brogdon, 2001. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images). (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

By Frank O'Laughlin, Boston 25 News Staff

BOSTON — The Boston Public Health Commission announced Friday that the risk level for West Nile virus in the city has been elevated due to the increased detection of infected mosquitos in neighboring cities and towns.

The risk level for the virus was raised from low to moderate by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

No human cases of the virus have been confirmed in Boston, but health officials say it’s likely that city residents will become infected at some point. They also warned that it’s possible to become infected without knowing it.

Most people infected with the virus don’t experience any signs or symptoms of illness, but in some cases, people will experience a headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and body aches which can last for a few days or several weeks.

“The Boston Public Health Commission works closely with our partners at the State Department of Public Health to monitor mosquito pools and alert residents of the risk of West Nile Virus,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “During this time of the year and into the fall, we encourage residents to protect themselves by using insect repellant and wearing long sleeve clothing when outside from dusk to dawn for prolonged periods of time.”

The BPHC recommended the following strategies to reduce the risk of the virus:

  • Avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitos are most active.
  • Wear long clothing and high socks to keep mosquitos away from your skin.
  • Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.
  • Make sure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.
  • Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitos from breeding. Flip over unused kiddie pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to attract mosquitos for breeding.
  • Regularly clean out gutters and remove any debris or blockages.

Although rare, people who are older than 50 years of age are at higher risk of developing serious symptoms including high fever, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, and muscle paralysis or weakness.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

©2023 Cox Media Group

Most Read