Newton's West Nile virus risk level jumped to "high" on Monday, Aug. 24, after two men in Middlesex County contracted the virus, prompting Mayor Marc Laredo's office and state health officials to urge residents to protect themselves during peak mosquito season.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the escalation Monday, elevating Newton alongside Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Somerville and Watertown. The move came just days after DPH had raised Newton to "moderate" risk on Aug. 20, when the state's first human case of the season was confirmed.
The first patient is a man in his 90s. The second, announced Monday, is a man in his 60s. Both were exposed in Middlesex County.
Laredo's office posted the alert Sunday, Aug. 23, according to the city's website. The office had also shared a DPH advisory about the first human case on Friday, Aug. 21.
184 infected mosquito samples statewide
The two human cases sit atop a broader pattern. DPH has detected 184 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples this year across every Massachusetts county except Nantucket, WBUR reported. The first positive sample of the season was found June 16.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein said the risk for many across Massachusetts is high and that people who are older or have compromised immune systems are especially at risk.
Most people infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms. About 20% develop fever, headache, body aches, nausea or swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% develop severe illness such as meningitis or encephalitis. People over 50 face higher risk of serious disease.
What residents should do
DPH recommends Newton residents take these steps through the first hard frost:
- Avoid outdoor activity from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes bite most actively.
- Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months old and should be limited to 30% concentration on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors during peak hours.
- Drain standing water around homes, including in flower pots, gutters and birdbaths.
- Repair or install window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.
Goldstein urged residents to use repellent, cover up with clothing when weather permits, move indoors during dusk-to-dawn hours when mosquitoes are biting and empty anything collecting water outside their homes.
DPH also detected the season's first Eastern Equine Encephalitis-positive mosquito sample on Aug. 19 in Kingston, Plymouth County. No human or animal EEE cases have been reported in Massachusetts this year.
Residents can track risk levels on the state's arbovirus map at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update, updated daily.
