The risk level for West Nile virus in Cambridge and Somerville is now high, state health officials announced Wednesday. Two human cases of the virus have been reported in Middlesex and Essex Counties.
The first case, a woman in her 70s who lives in Middlesex County, became ill Aug. 15 and developed meningitis, according to the state health department. The second was a woman in her 60s who lives in Essex County and became ill Aug. 22. She has meningoencephalitis, a related form of brain inflammation.
The higher risk level in Cambridge and Somerville is based on the two human cases and ongoing reports of the virus in mosquitoes, the Cambridge Public Health Department said. West Nile virus was found in mosquitoes in Cambridge on July 8 and in Somerville on Aug. 6, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health arbovirus program. The virus has also been found in mosquitoes in surrounding communities, including Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Brookline and Malden.
“Massachusetts is in peak season for the spread of West Nile virus,” Public Health commissioner Robbie Goldstein said. “While the temperatures have dropped slightly, this is the time of year when most people get exposed to the virus. We encourage everyone to use mosquito repellent, to wear clothing to reduce exposed skin, and to empty anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people don’t develop symptoms; some experience mild illness such as fever, diarrhea, joint pain and headache. Most recover but can experience fatigue for months, the CDC says.
Some people “develop severe illness, which can affect the central nervous system or illness that results in hospitalization or death,” according to the agency.
The Cambridge Public Health Department advised residents to protect themselves by preventing getting bitten by mosquitoes The department recommends that people wear long sleeves and pants outside, use insect repellent, be aware of peak mosquito activity from dusk to dawn, remove standing water and install tight-fitting screens on windows.
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