ENTERTAINMENT

West Nile Virus Strikes Massachusetts: First Cases of the Year Detected

By Jannet Ojeda

Posted on August 30, 2023

Massachusetts has marked its first two human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) this year, with Middlesex County being the focal point of the state’s recent announcement by the Department of Public Health on Tuesday.

One of the cases involves a woman in her 70s who contracted the mosquito-borne illness in a different region of the country, as detailed in an official press release from the department. The second individual affected is a man in his 40s who was exposed to the virus in Middlesex County.

A considerable portion of the state faces a moderate risk of WNV infections. Suffolk County, the southeastern section of Middlesex County, and a majority of Plymouth County all fall within this category according to the risk map provided by the department. Furthermore, areas within Norfolk, Bristol, Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, and Berkshire Counties also share a moderate risk status.

Authorities consistently monitor mosquito populations across all municipalities to accurately assess the prevailing risk level in each area. Stay informed and take appropriate precautions to safeguard yourself and your community from potential West Nile Virus exposure.