West Nile Virus Risk Elevated for Melrose

Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced yesterday that a human case of West Nile virus (WNV) has occurred in Middlesex County. This raises the risk level in Melrose. Although serious illness caused by WNV is uncommon, there have been 216 cases of WNV in Massachusetts between 2001 and 2020.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitos that carry this virus are common throughout the Commonwealth and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

Precautions that can help people to protect themselves are:

  • Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow the instructions on the label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for clothing, shoes, and should not be applied to skin.

  • Clothing can help reduce mosquito bite. Although it is difficult when it is hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

  • Be aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.

  • Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitos to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in bird baths frequently.

  • Make sure that all screens are repaired and tightly attached to doors and windows.

Information about WNV and reports of current historical WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.