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Boston Globe

Two mosquito samples in Boston test positive for West Nile Virus

Last month, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that the virus was detected in the state for the first time this year in a sample collected in June in Shrewsbury. Since then, there have been nine more positive samples across the state, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's There are no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Boston so far this summer, the commission said. In 2024, there were 19 human cases of the virus in the state, according to the Massachusetts DPH dashboard. Advertisement Most people who are infected with the virus do not experience signs or symptoms, but some may develop headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches lasting for a few days to several weeks. Those older than 50 are at higher risk of experiencing serious symptoms. To reduce the risk of West Nile Virus, the Boston Public Health Commission said people should avoid mosquito bites. The commission recommended regularly emptying out and cleaning vessels containing standing water, like bird baths, kiddie pools and flowerpots, which attract mosquitoes for breeding. Advertisement Residents can also wear long clothing and high socks, and insect repellents, like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and picaridin. Residents should also avoid spending too much time outside from dusk to dawn, when there is prime mosquito activity, and to make sure windows and doors do not have holes. More information, including all West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (another mosquito-transmitted disease) positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information webpage at Jessica Ma can be reached at