1st human case of West Nile virus diagnosed in Boston resident

The man, who is in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, officials said.

A Boston resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first human case of the mosquito-borne illness detected in the city this season, officials announced Tuesday.

The man, who is in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, the Boston Public Health Commission said in a statement. His diagnosis comes a week after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for West Nile virus in Boston to “high.”

According to the city, the first mosquito samples to test positive for the virus were obtained in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury, and West Roxbury in July. Four human cases of West Nile virus have been diagnosed so far across Massachusetts this year, according to state public health officials.

“The BPHC is continuing to work closely with our State partners to monitor the spread of West Nile Virus,” Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city’s public health commissioner and executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said in a statement. “We can all take simple steps to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus. Individuals spending time outside near dusk or dawn should wear long sleeves and use insect repellent.”

While most who become infected with West Nile virus don’t show symptoms or illness, some people will develop headache, fever, vomiting, or body aches, according to the public health commission. Most recover on their own without treatment, but those who are older can be at higher risk of serious symptoms.

Boston health officials urged residents to take the following steps to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses:

Avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear long clothing and high socks to keep mosquitos away from your skin.
Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.
Make sure screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.
Regularly empty out and clean bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Flip over unused kiddie pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes for breeding.
Regularly clean out gutters and remove any debris or blockages.