BOSTON (CBS) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health on Friday raised the risk level of the West Nile virus from moderate to high in 27 cities and towns in the Boston area. The decision was made because of four recent human cases and the first animal case discovered in an alpaca in Middlesex County.
Health officials are seeing an increase in the Culex mosquito population, which carries the virus, and say recent weather conditions are favorable for mosquito activity.
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The communities that see their level of risk increased are Lynnfield and Saugus, in Essex County; Arlington, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Cambridge, Everett, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Newton, Reading, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, Winchester, and Woburn in Middlesex County; Brookline in Norfolk County; and Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop in Suffolk County.
Click here to view the West Nile virus risk map for the entire state.
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“September is the month we are most likely to see people infected with the West Nile virus,” Margret Cooke, commissioner for public health functions, said in a statement. “While we advise everyone to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, this is especially important if you are over 50 or have a compromised immune disorder. It is also important to know that as the temperatures cool down during the night, the activity of mosquitoes at dusk and dawn can be more intense.
Most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, but people 50 and older are at higher risk for serious illness. Symptoms may include fever and flu-like illnesses.
People can avoid mosquito bites by using repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes and pants, and staying indoors during peak mosquito hours at dusk and dawn.
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