Mosquito-borne West Nile virus was detected in a sample collected last week in Brighton, marking the first time the disease appeared in Boston this year, the city’s Public Health Commission confirmed Tuesday.
“While much of the focus right now is on the COVID-19 pandemic and the slowdown in the spread of this virus, we cannot lose sight of the importance of protecting ourselves against mosquito bites and serious diseases that can broadcast, “said the commission’s Acting Executive Director. Rita Nieves said in a statement. “I encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions as they spend more time outdoors.”
According to health officials, many cases of West Nile Virus are asymptomatic, although some include symptoms similar to those of fever and flu and, rarely, more serious illnesses can occur. The virus can infect people of all ages, with people over 50 at higher risk. There is no particular vaccine or antiviral treatment for West Nile Virus.
The commission said no human or animal cases of the virus or eastern equine encephalitis virus, or EEE, have been reported in Boston this year, which has been detected in samples taken from Franklin County this season.
West Nile Virus is commonly found in mosquitoes in the city at this time of year. Authorities have detected it in Boston mosquitoes each year between June and November for the past two decades, but the commission notes that finding the virus in humans is rare.
There were no human cases reported last year in Boston. In 2018, seven residents were diagnosed with the virus.
“It is typical to find West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Boston at this time of year,” Dr. Jennifer Lo, medical director of the Health Commission, said in a statement. “There is no high level of risk in Boston at the moment. However, if you are spending time outdoors, you should think about preventing and protecting yourself from mosquito bites. That includes using an approved mosquito repellent, draining standing water from your yard, and repairing window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home. “
Authorities also advise pet owners to talk to their veterinarians about approved mosquito repellents and vaccines to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.
West Nile Virus was detected in Massachusetts for the first time this year in two samples collected July 7 in Belmont, according to the state Department of Public Health.
In 2019, the state saw five human cases of West Nile Virus, a significant decrease from the previous year when 49 cases set a record.
Last week, state officials said EEE was detected in mosquitoes sampled in Orange and Wendell earlier this month, kicking off what is expected to be another high season for the rare disease after 12 human cases were reported and six people died. last year during the first community meeting. outbreak in several years. Authorities say EEE outbreaks typically last two to three years.
As of Wednesday, no human cases of West Nile Virus or EEE had been recorded in Massachusetts.
