The city’s Public Health Director encourages residents to continue to enjoy the outdoors, with proactive tips in mind, following the positive virus test of a mosquito sample. No human cases of the virus have yet to emerge locally.
FRAMINGHAM - Positive samples of West Nile virus (WNV) have been detected within mosquitoes collected in Framingham, and local leaders have begun taking preventative measures.
West Nile, which is usually transmitted through mosquito bites, is a rare but potentially serious virus that can be especially harmful to older adults or those with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control notes that most people infected by WNV—eight out of every 10—do not develop symptoms after contracting it. Fevers, headaches, joint paints, and rashes are some of the symptoms in one out of every five cases, while one in every 150 with the virus develop severe ailments.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified Framingham officials last week about the detection of a positive WNV sample within a mosquito collected in the city.
Framingham has been elevated to a moderate risk for West Nile by state health officials. Other nearby communities, such as Natick and Holliston, have also had positive WNV samples detected this year.
No human cases have been reported within Framingham as of the time of publication.
“We get a lot of information on mosquitoes; every week, we get a report from the state that tells us where we are,” Framingham’s Public Health Director Bill Murphy told The Frame.
“We’re in close contact with our mosquito control district, we have a response if we get more mosquitoes like this.”
The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be mobilized for targeted aerosol spraying in Framingham this week. Crews will be spraying areas south of Waverly Street on Tuesday, August 12.
Even after these positive tests, Murphy and other local leaders are advising residents that it’s still safe to enjoy the summer weather outdoors.
“We don’t want to scare people, when we have these mosquitoes, to stay indoors,” Murphy continued.
“But everybody can significantly reduce the risk; you have the power through layers of things you can do to reduce your risk.”
Residents are suggested to apply insect repellent while they’re outside. Substances approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency like DEET are recommended. Long sleeves and pants should also be worn when possible while outside, especially between dusk and dawn—when mosquitoes are at their most active. Standing water, where mosquito eggs are laid, should be drained, while homeowners are recommended to repair or replace any door or window screens.
More updates from the state can be found by clicking here, while Framingham residents can contact the Framingham Public Health Department at 508-532-5470.
.avif){kind=small}
.avif){kind=small}
.jpg)
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.
If the bill—which is supported by Framingham’s State Senator and teacher’s union president—is approved by the House and signed by Governor Maura Healey, public schools in Massachusetts would be required to prohibit phone usage during the entire school day starting in 2026.
