The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today a human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the Town of Barnstable. This raises the risk level to high in our town.

 

Although serious illness caused by WNV is uncommon, there have been 131 cases of WNV in Massachusetts between 2014 and 2023. There were six human cases of WNV in 2023, eight human cases in 2022, and eleven human cases of WNV in 2021

 

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito.  The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state 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.

 

By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Apply Insect Repellentwhen you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
  • Clothing Can Helpreduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
  • Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

  • Drain Standing Water– Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes 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 birdbaths frequently.
  • Install or Repair Screens– Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

 

The Town of Barnstable Health Division will continue to work closely with MDPH and Cape Cod Mosquito Control.   Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.