Health Officials Announce MORE Human Cases of WNV in State
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. One is in a man in his 40s who was likely exposed to the virus in Hampden County and the other is in a man in his 80s with exposure in Middlesex County.
These cases bring the total number of confirmed WNV infections this season to four. As a result, risk levels for WNV have been elevated to high in Ashland, Framingham, Marlborough, Natick, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, and Wayland.
“Given how many mosquitoes have been found carrying West Nile virus this summer, we expected that there would be human infections this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season, which is likely still many weeks away. We are encouraging everyone to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin, and to drain anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”
The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 17. Since then, 376 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There has also been one animal case of WNV this year in a goat.
The risk for WNV is now high in 28 municipalities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Worcester counties and moderate in 175 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.
In addition to WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 21 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.
Starting next week, DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday if new cases are confirmed. Surveillance information, including cases, will continue to be updated on a daily basis and posted online.
Encore Boston Harbor Surpasses $1 Billion in State Tax Revenue
On Monday, August 25, Encore Boston Harbor passed the $1 billion mark in gaming tax revenue generated for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts since its opening in 2019. This revenue directly benefits all residents of Massachusetts by funding a range of state initiatives, including local aid. Encore has been one of the largest generators of tax revenue in the Commonwealth since its opening in 2019.
This revenue is in addition to the more than $330 million Encore Boston Harbor has given in surrounding community fees, PILOT payments and Public Health Trust funding. The company has also paid more than $1.3 billion in total employee compensation and benefits.
Furthermore, Encore Boston Harbor has been a generous philanthropic partner to local nonprofits, donating more than $15 million to organizations operating in its surrounding communities and across the state.
“The dedication of our more than 3,300 employees, working each and every day to create memorable guest experiences, has allowed us to generate significant revenues for Massachusetts over the last six years,” said Jenny Holaday, president of Encore Boston Harbor. “Our employees take pride in Encore being a contributing partner to Massachusetts through our ability to generate significant tax revenues, impact the local economy with our spending, and financially support hundreds of local nonprofit partners.”