Community Health Alert: Somerville’s West Nile Virus Risk Elevated to High

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has announced the first two human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year. The cases were diagnosed in a man in his 60s and a man in his 90s, both exposed in Middlesex County. As a result, the risk level for West Nile virus has been raised to “High” in Somerville and other neighboring communities.  

West Nile virus is usually transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe illness. Community members are urged to continue to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes. The state Department of Public Health recommends the following safety measures: 

Avoid Mosquito Bites 

• Use insect repellent when you go outdoors: Products with DEET may be used on skin but should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Use permethrin products on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin should not be applied to skin. Other repellents, such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR 3535 have also been found to provide protection against mosquitoes. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. More information on choosing and safely using repellents can be found at mass.gov/info-details/mosquito-repellents. 
• Cover up: If weather permits, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. 
• Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk: Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. If you cannot schedule activities around these times, take extra care to avoid being bitten by wearing protective clothing and using repellent.    

Mosquito-Proof Your Home 

• Drain standing water from around your home: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Drain or get rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains, empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.   
• Install tightly fitting window and door screens or repair damaged screens: Screens help keep mosquitoes outside.  

Mosquito-borne Illnesses  

Both West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are usually transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, so being bitten by a mosquito does not mean you will get sick. For more information on preventing mosquito-borne diseases, visit mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases. 

Seasonal Testing and Local Risk Updates 

The State does seasonal testing for West Nile virus and EEE and updates town-specific risk levels where mosquitoes test positive for these viruses or human or animal cases are found. The first West Nile-positive mosquitoes in the state this season were announced on June 16. So far, 227 mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile virus this year, and seven were positive for EEE. There have been no human or animal cases of EEE reported so far this year. You can check risk maps throughout the summer at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update. 

Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should contact the ADA Coordinator in advance at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov. 

If you need assistance understanding this information, please contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov or call 311 (617-666-3311). The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.