Mass. health officials announce 2 new cases of West Nile Virus

Massachusetts Health officials announced two new cases of West Nile Virus Friday, bringing the total number of human cases in 2024 to 15.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health says both new cases are women. One of the women is in her 60s and was likely exposed to the virus in Middlesex County while the other woman, in her 70s, was likely exposed out of state.

Risk levels in Massachusetts have not been changed.

There have been 333 WNV-positive mosquito samples so far this year detected from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

The DPH recommends the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-borne illnesses:

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
• Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.
• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

More information, including all West Nile Virus- and EEE-positive results can be found at this website or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Last year, there were only six human cases of WNV and no animal cases. No animal cases have been detected this year.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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