MA's First West Nile Positive Mosquito Of 2020 Found In Belmont

BELMONT, MA — Massachusetts has its first positive mosquito sample of the West Nile Virus this season. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that two mosquitos from Belmont in Middlesex County tested positive for the virus.

There have not been any human or animal cases of West Nile Virus or Eastern equine encephalitis this season. The two mosquito samples were taken from Belmont on July 7 and came back positive. The positive sample will not elevate the risk levels in the area.

"It is important to remember that WNV can cause very serious illness, especially in individuals over 50 and those who are immune compromised," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 5 human cases of WNV in 2019. In 2018, there were 49 human cases of WNV infection acquired in Massachusetts – the greatest number of cases the Commonwealth has ever had in a single year. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.

Most people infected with WNV show no symptoms.

The Massachusetts DPH is urging residents to take extra precautions throughout the summer to limit their chances of being infected with WNV or EEE. Some precautions include wearing bug repellent, emptying dishes and bowls outside that fill with water and attract mosquitos, and being aware that peak mosquito hours are dusk and dawn.