West Nile cases hit all-time high in state
Virus a threat with 9 cases last week
The number of cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year has hit an all-time high, according to public health officials who reminded residents to use bug spray until the cold weather puts an end to the mosquito season.
Nine new cases of the virus were reported last week, according to the Department of Public Health, bringing this year’s total to 38, the most ever recorded in a single year by the state. The previous high number of cases in a single year was 33, reported in 2012. The state started recording data in 1999.
In a press release, Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel warned state residents of the lingering virus.
“The forecast includes some warm fall temperatures,” Bharel said. “Mosquitoes might still be active and it remains important for people to use mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves to reduce exposed skin.”
All nine of the reported victims were hospitalized and range in age from 30s to 80s.
By comparison, only six human cases of West Nile virus infection were reported in 2017. The virus is normally transmitted to humans through a bite of an infected mosquito. The virus can infect people of all ages, but those over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for a more severe disease.
According to DPH, “most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms.” Symptoms however, can include headache, high fever, swollen lymph glands and neck stiffness.
Back in August, state public health officials upgraded the West Nile risk to “high” in the Boston area after an investigation showed two of four new cases resulted from exposure in the Greater Boston area, which is what prompted increasing the threat level to high from moderate in 11 communities.
Among the new cases of West Nile, individuals have been hospitalized in Essex, Barnstable, Middlesex, Suffolk and Franklin counties.
People at high risk are urged to avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and local boards of health are asked to continue mosquito control efforts, officials said. The use of insect repellant, tightly fitting window screens in homes and dumping standing water are also encouraged.
Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, chief of infectious diseases at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital told the Herald in September, “I expect that risk will remain until the end of summer and into fall until temperatures cool off.”