First West Nile Death in Mass. Since 2005, Threat Level Raised Statewide

A Worcester resident in his 60s with severe underlying medical conditions was diagnosed with WNV in mid-August and has since died of the illness.

The first death of a Massachusetts resident due to West Nile Virus (WNV) since 2005 and additional human cases have led state officials to raise the threat level statewide to at least 'moderate." A Worcester resident in his 60s with severe underlying medical conditions was diagnosed with WNV in mid-August and has since died of the illness, the state Department of Public Health (DPH) announced on Friday. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this gentleman during this difficult time," Worcester Division of Public Health Acting Commissioner Dr. Michael Hirsh said in a DPH press release. "While we have been fortunate that we have seen a very low number of human West Nile cases, on rare occasion WNV can be very serious. …

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Middlesex County Man Infected by West Nile Virus

It's the first human case of WNV in Massachusetts this year.

An unidentified man from Middlesex County is this year's first person to be infected by the West Nile Virus in Massachusetts, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. The man is in his 60s and lives in a community north of Boston, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Health and Human Services. The man was diagnosed with West Nile Virus in late July, the release said; he remains hospitalized but is recovering. Testing conducted in late July found the virus in mosquito pools in Arlington and surrounding communities, according to state data. Mosquitos infected by the virus have been found in 48 communities and nine counties in Massachusetts so far this year, according to the press release. As …

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Symptoms, Treatment of West Nile Virus

With West Nile Virus detected Thursday in mosquitoes from Arlington, here is a fact sheet of the virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The following information, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, lists the symptoms of West Nile Virus and methods of treatment. Public Health Advisory: West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Arlington People typically develop symptoms between 3 and 14 days after they are bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment for WNV infection. In cases with milder symptoms, people experience symptoms such as fever and aches that pass on their own, although even healthy people have become sick for several weeks. In more severe cases, people usually need to go to the hospital where they can receive supportive treatment including intravenous fluids, help with breathing and nursing care. Milder WNV illness…

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Public Health Advisory: West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Arlington

The Town sent out an advisory at about 1 p.m. Thursday.

The following is from the Town of Arlington. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Arlington. WNV is transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. People do not become infected by having direct contact with other infected people, birds or animals. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones: Avoid Mosquito Bites Mosquito-Proof Your Home While the Arlington Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally the …

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West Nile Virus Found in Medford Mosquitoes

The finding was made last week.

The West Nile Virus was found in mosquitoes in Medford, according to the state's Department of Health and Human Services. Testing conducted on Tuesday, July 24, found the virus in mosquito pools in Medford, Malden and Melrose, according to state data. The virus was found in mosquitos in Arlington last August. Chances of acquiring mosquito borne diseases such as WNV or EEE are slim, but residents should be aware that these viruses can cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis, according to officials. Some West Nile prevention tips include:

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Area Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

No disease-carrying mosquitoes have been found in Arlington yet.

The following is from the Town of Arlington. Mosquitoes in neighboring communities have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Additionally, mosquitoes that carry Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been found in communities in southeastern Massachusetts. Mosquito pools in Arlington are sampled regularly and at this time there have been no pools of disease carrying mosquitoes found. The Arlington Board of Health (BOH) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) recommend that the public take action now to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around their home and neighborhoods. You can view the full release, which includes recommendations offered by the BOH and MDPH to reduce your risk online at …

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PatchCast

PatchCast: Dangerous Mosquitoes, Post Offices Under Review and ‘This Old House’

A video roundup of the area's latest developments for Wednesday, July 27.

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