Man in his 90s contracts West Nile Virus in Middlesex County, DPH says
mosquito
Advertisement
Updated: 8:05 PM EDT Aug 20, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Tim Nazzaro
Digital Content Editor
Man in his 90s contracts West Nile Virus in Middlesex County, DPH says
Updated: 8:05 PM EDT Aug 20, 2026Editorial Standards ⓘ
Tim Nazzaro
Digital Content Editor
BOSTON —
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the first human case of West Nile virus in the state this year on Thursday night
Health officials said a man in his 90s was exposed in Middlesex County. His current condition is unknown
Advertisement
Due to the positive human case and other positive mosquito samples, 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 devastating disease, especially for those who are older or have compromised immune systems,” said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. “This first case in Massachusetts should remind people across the state that risk remains high. 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.”
Health officials are urging Massachusetts residents to apply insect repellent when outdoors, be aware of peak mosquito hours, and drain standing water to help prevent bites
To date, there have been 180 WNV-positive mosquito samples detected in the state
The biting bugs will be with us until the first hard frost of the season
Make WCVB a preferred source on Google
Add Preferred Source
