The warning also applies to Abington, Brockton, East Bridgewater, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, and Whitman in Plymouth County, the statement said.
In a post on Facebook, the Boston Public Health Commission said mosquito samples in East Boston tested positive for West Nile virus.
“The threat level for the virus is now HIGH due to more positive samples found in mosquitos in East Boston,” the post said.
The virus is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, the statement said.
Symptoms include high fever, a headache, and confusion, according to a city fact sheet.
There have been two human cases of West Nile this year in Massachusetts, compared to six last year, according to the state.
The state announced on July 2 that the first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile were found in Quincy. In all, there have been 262 positive mosquito samples this year, the state said.
The mosquitoes were found in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties, the statement said.
“The risk of human infection with WNV is moderate throughout Bristol, Norfolk, and the rest of Plymouth County and in parts of Barnstable, Berkshire, Essex, Hampden, Middlesex, Plymouth, and Worcester counties, the statement said.
Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said that while most people do not get severely ill from the virus, it is still important to take it seriously.
“People at greatest risk for severe disease . . . include those over 60 years of age and people with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants,” Goldstein said.
People can protect themselves from mosquitoes by applying insect repellent when outdoors, and being aware of peak mosquito hours, which is from dusk to dawn, the statement said.
Since mosquitoes breed in standing water, residents are urged to drain or discard anything that holds water. Rain gutters and drains should be checked, flower pots and wading pools emptied, and change the water in bird baths, the statement said.
Adam Sennott can be reached at [email protected].
Rachel Carter is a health and wellness expert dedicated to helping readers lead healthier lives. With a background in nutrition, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being.
