West Nile Deteccted in Franklin as State Issues Warning

With West Nile VIrus (WNV) infection detected in mosquitos in Franklin and neighboring communities,  the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has also announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts, this year in a man in his 90s who was exposed in Middlesex County.

As a result of this case and WNV continuing to be detected in mosquitoes across the state, WNV risk levels have been elevated to moderate in 70 communities in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Worcester counties.

“West Nile virus can be a devasting disease, especially for those who are older or have compromised immune systems. This first case in Massachusetts should remind people across the state that risk remains high,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The end of August is frequently a time for people to enjoy being outside before the start of the school year and the arrival of fall, but I want to remind everyone of the importance of taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. While most people exposed to WNV will not develop serious illness, some may develop very severe illness requiring hospitalization. In some cases, the disease can be fatal.”

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this season were announced on June 16. So far, there have been 180 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected this year from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

“The mosquitoes will be with us until the first hard frost,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine M. Brown. “People should use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient, clothing to reduce exposed skin, and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning when mosquitoes are most active.”

This follows yesterday’s announcement that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus was confirmed in two mosquito samples collected in Kingston in Plymouth County. There have been no EEE human or animal cases reported so far this year.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.