first West Nile Virus of season found in mosquito samples

State health officials are urging the public to use bug spray when outdoors after West Nile virus was detected on Tuesday in recently collected mosquito samples. 

It is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes this year in Massachusetts, according to the state’s Department of Public Health. The two samples were collected on June 25 in Quincy. 

“This is the beginning of our mosquito season in Massachusetts,” Dr. Catherine M. Brown, state epidemiologist, said in a statement. “From now on, we expect mosquito populations to increase, and we will start to see more of them carrying WNV. Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, drain standing water, and repair window screens.”

In 2023, there were six human cases of West Nile virus, according to the state. So far in 2024, there have been no human or animal cases.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne infection that has no cure that re-emerged in Massachusetts in recent years, has so far not been detected in 2024. There were no human or animal cases of EEE in 2023, according to the state.  

People over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe disease from West Nile virus, health officials warned. Symptoms for the infection include fever and flu-like illness, but most people who contract the virus will have no symptoms.

In her statement, Brown encouraged the public to make a habit of checking the state’s website dedicated to mosquito-borne diseases, which includes a map for risk and virus activity.