State Health Officials Announce Season’s First Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

The Town of Reading Health Department has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today that the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts is in a woman in her 70s who was exposed in Middlesex County.

West Nile Virus is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the risk of serious illness is low, all residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and reduce mosquito breeding sites in their neighborhoods.

To view the full press release from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health go here.

Residents are advised to take the following precautions:

• Be prepared: Stay informed by visiting the Town of Reading Health Department webpage. Repair window and door screens, and eliminate areas of stagnant water such as bird baths, buckets, and unused pools.

• Cover up: When possible, wear long sleeves and long pants outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.

• Protect children: Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens.
  Use repellent: Apply mosquito repellent when outdoors, particularly during peak activity times (dusk and dawn). Choose products with EPA-registered active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus.

• Dump standing water: At least twice weekly, empty containers that may collect water.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will continue surveillance and monitoring in the region.

For more information and updates, please visit the Town of Reading Health Department webpage. Additional information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website. To see Reading’s risk level, check the link here.

Flyer by the Town of Reading.