Brendan Fitzpatrick
09 September 2023
News

DPH: Middlesex County at Moderate West Nile Risk

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that Middlesex County, which includes Framingham, is at a moderate risk for additional human infection of West Nile virus.

FRAMINGHAM - After another human case of West Nile virus (WNV) was reported in the state, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced that Middlesex County, which includes Framingham, is at a moderate risk for additional human infection.

Middlesex County joined Norfolk County and Suffolk County in receiving the designation after a male in his 50s in Hampden County was exposed to the virus. It was the third human WNV case within Massachusetts this year.

WNV is typically transmitted to humans through bites from mosquitoes infected by the virus. Most humans infected by WNV do not show symptoms, according to state officials, although rare cases can potentially result in serious illness.

The DPH is reiterating tips to keep residents safe amid the risks. The department says repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency should be worn outdoors, while people should be mindful of the peak hours for mosquitoes: dusk to dawn. Long sleeves, pants, and socks can help protect skin as well. Standing water should be drained around homes, while screens should be repaired or installed.

To learn more, visit the DPH’s website by clicking here.

Further articles

We wanted to learn more about the locally-based Tasty Harvests, a project that started following the COVID-19 outbreak and has since become a staple of local gardening education.

Esta semana no The Frame: um projeto de lei que proíbe o uso de celulares em escolas públicas foi aprovado pelo Senado Estadual, planos para celebrar o Festival de Framingham em outubro estão em andamento e um olhar sobre a Tasty Harvests: um marco na educação sobre jardinagem na comunidade.

This week on The Frame: a bill that would ban phone usage in public schools is approved by the State Senate, plans to celebrate Framingham Fest in October are underway, and a look at Tasty Harvests: a staple of gardening education within the community.