October 6, 2023- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced that an individual 60–69 years of age from Norfolk County has tested positive for West Nile Virus, (WNV) Massachusetts. WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of fifty (50) are at higher risk for severe infection. Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors of West Nile Virus. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.
The majority of people who are infected with WNV will have no symptoms at all. Approximately 20% of those infected will have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands or skin rash. Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis as demonstrated by high fever, headache, neck stiffness, disorientation and muscle weakness. If you notice any of these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Avoid Mosquito bites by following these simple steps
Empty containers around your home that collect rainwater - mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Anything that can collect rain water such as leaf clogged rain gutters, discarded automobile tires, flower pots, bird baths, 5 gallon pails and other water holding containers. Drain the rainwater from these items frequently.
Install or Repair Window Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider re-scheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. -Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. - Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2023 can be found on the MDPH website at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update. For more information please contact Gerard Cody, Public Health Commissioner, gcody@randolph-ma.gov or Ann Martin, Public Health Nurse, at 781-961-0924 or amartin@randolph-ma.gov.
A PDF Version of this information is available here.