The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the fourth and fifth human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year, and the first WNV-related fatality. Both patients are male Suffolk County residents in their 60s who likely contracted the virus in the Suffolk County area. Both men were hospitalized due to the severity of their illness; one case was fatal. Confirmation of these infections came from testing completed at the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory.
The Town of Winthrop has sprayed at least two times to combat mosquitos, yet the Town did have one human case of West Nile Virus. That person, over the age of 60 has since recovered, according to public health nurse Meredith Hurley. She added that the mosquitos will be around until there is a hard frost.
These newly confirmed cases, in combination with multiple mosquito findings from the area and a previous case with exposure in the same area indicate that risk from WNV is now considered to be high in this area. As such, DPH is elevating the WNV risk levels for Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop to High.
“As we enter the fall, and cooler temperatures approach, it’s important to note that Massachusetts still is in peak season for possible West Nile virus infection for human infections,†said State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown. “Residents need to continue to take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active.â€
In 2014, there were six human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. Fewer than one percent of people bitten by an infected mosquito will develop a severe form of WNV in which the virus invades the central nervous system.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
* Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
* Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
* Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
* Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
* Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the Winthrop Health Department at 617-846-1740.