West Nile Virus

West Nile Virus (WNV) in Somerville

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has detected West Nile virus (WNV) in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time this year in samples from Brookline and Worcester. Although no human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been reported, Somerville residents should take steps to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito-borne illnesses.

While WNV and EEE can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for severe WNV, and people under 15 are particularly vulnerable to EEE. WNV and EEE symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness.

DPH recommends the following precautions:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply insect repellent when 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 old. Permethrin products are intended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks 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 increases, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and and wearing repellent.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items holding water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and frequently change the water in birdbaths.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during summer to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas.
Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes.
Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for animal use and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE.
If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

For more information, go to mass.gov/dph/mosquito or call the Massachusetts DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

About Mosquito-Borne Illness

What is Mosquito-borne illness?

Mosquito-borne illness is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. In the Northeastern United States, it is usually caused by viruses such as West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus.

How common is mosquito-borne illness?

There is a low risk of infection following a mosquito bite. Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no illness or only mild illness, but a small number of people can develop a more serious disease.

How is it spread?

Mosquito-borne illness is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

When is it spread?

The time of the year when mosquitoes are most active and most likely to carry disease is between late July and late September, but if the weather remains warm, the risk period can extend as late as November. The time of day when mosquitoes are most active is at night, dusk and dawn, but you can be bitten at any time.

Am I at risk?

People at higher risk for developing serious symptoms from WNV are those over age 50; however, Eastern Equine Encephalitis can cause serious illness in any age group.

What should I do if I get bitten by a mosquito?

Mosquito-borne illness is very rare in Somerville. So your risk following a mosquito bite is small. However, you should see your doctor immediately if you develop high fever, confusion, severe headache, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light.

Programs & Initiatives

HP 12C calculator alongside a stack of coins

Technical Assistance Programming

If you are a business, consultant, or non-profit that may be able to support Somerville’s business community, we encourage you to respond to our Request for Information (RFI).

School Construction Advisory Group (CAG)

Members will develop a recommendation to the Mayor on both the location and scope of a renovated or new school to meet the needs of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and potentially the Benjamin G. Brown School.

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