Mass. reports 2 human cases of West Nile virus, health officials confirm

A Massachusetts man and a woman have both been diagnosed with West Nile virus, the first two human cases in the Commonwealth as of 2023, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Tuesday.

The woman, identified as a woman in her 70s, was exposed to the virus in another part of the country, while the man, in his 40s, was exposed in Middlesex County, an area known to be at moderate risk, officials said in a statement.

“This is the first time that West Nile virus infection has been identified in Massachusetts residents this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robert Goldstein in the statement. “August and September are the months when most people are exposed to West Nile virus in Massachusetts. Populations of mosquitoes that can carry and spread this virus are fairly large this year and we have seen recent increases in the number of West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples from multiple parts of the Commonwealth.”

The Greater Boston area, including Middlesex, Norfolk and Suffolk counties, along with parts of Berkshire, Bristol, Hampden, Hampshire, Plymouth and Worcester counties all carry a moderate risk of human infection with West Nile virus. At this time, the risk levels will not be changed, officials added.

The unofficial end of summer does not mean the threat of West Nile virus transmission from mosquitoes is over, State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown said in the statement.

“To avoid mosquito bites, use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, drain standing water and repair window screens. We also encourage everyone to regularly visit DPH’s mosquito-borne diseases web pages to stay informed on when and where (West Nile virus) activity is occurring.”

2022 saw eight human cases of West Nile virus infection across Massachusetts, officials said. While people of all ages are at risk, people 50 years and older are at higher risk for severe disease. Symptoms can include fever and flu-like symptoms.

The state issued a series of recommendations on how to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These include:

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