Westwood Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus

WESTWOOD, MA — Mosquitoes in Westwood tested positive for West Nile Virus. Westwood's Health Director Jared Orsini announced the positive tests on Tuesday.

The alert level for WNV in town is still moderate and the alert level for Eastern Equine Encephalitis is low.

The first human case of WNV was reported on Friday in a man in Essex County. The risk of human infection with WNV is considered to be generally low throughout the Commonwealth.

In 2019, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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 will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

Here are some tips to avoid mosquitoes and mosquito bites:

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 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% 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.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.