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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for West Nile virus to “high” in New Bedford, Dartmouth and Acushnet on Wednesday, after state health authorities confirmed a human infection occurred in the area earlier this summer.
In a Tuesday news release, Massachusetts officials said the infected individual is a woman in her 60s. She contracted the disease in southern Bristol County on Aug. 7. This marks the first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in Bristol County this year.
Massachusetts and New Bedford officials urge residents who are older than 50 and those with compromised immune systems to limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn.
Bristol County Mosquito Control will extend its seasonal ground-spraying program an additional week in response to this announcement. Activity is scheduled to conclude Sept. 19.
West Nile virus is commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. While 80% of infected people show no symptoms, the illness can bring a mild fever to more serious disease, including swelling of the brain and spinal cord membranes.
This year, 10 people have been infected with West Nile virus in Massachusetts, according to state data.
“West Nile virus does not always raise as much concern as EEE, but it remains a potentially very serious disease, especially for those over the age of 60 or with certain medical conditions,” said Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein.
“I encourage everyone to take measures to protect themselves: use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered active ingredient when outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants, and be aware of peak mosquito hours.”
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has also raised the risk level for eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, to “moderate” in all South Coast communities. Four Massachusetts residents have contracted the rare, yet potentially deadly mosquito-borne disease this year, including a woman in Plymouth County.
Email reporter Adam Goldstein at agoldstein@newbedfordlight.org
