City is listed by Mass. Department of Public Health as a moderate risk for West Nile.
FRAMINGHAM - State officials have indicated that a positive West Nile virus sample was detected in mosquitoes within Framingham during a collection in late July.
Framingham has been listed to be at a moderate risk of the virus by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), which has collected 11 positive mosquito samples within Middlesex County in 2024. That’s a part of 116 total samples across the state this year. As of the time of publication, one human case of West Nile has been detected in Massachusetts, as state health officials announced on Tuesday, August 6 that a man in Hampden County was exposed to the virus.
West Nile virus is primarily transmitted by bites from infected mosquitoes, especially during active mosquito season during the summer and autumn months. Symptoms of the virus include aches, fevers, rashes, and flu-like illness. People of all ages can contract the virus, though state health officials advise that people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk. Serious and potentially fatal conditions, while rare, are possible; the Centers For Disease Control (CDC) notes that about 1 out of every 150 people infected by West Nile virus develop serious illnesses.
Local, state, and federal health officials are reminding residents about what they can do to limit their risk of contracting West Nile virus amid mosquito season. People are advised to limit their time outdoors during peak mosquito-biting hours, which are between dusk and dawn. If one does have to go outside, they’re recommended to wear insect repellant and to cover exposed skin with pants, long sleeves, and high socks. Standing water around homes should be drained in order to prevent mosquito eggs from being laid, while screens for windows and doors should be installed or repaired.
For more information on West Nile virus, visit the DPH’s website by clicking here or the CDC’s website by clicking here.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
This week on The Frame: Mayor Charlie Sisitsky unveils his $383.2 million proposal for the upcoming municipal budget as local leaders deliberate on financing the public school district’s operations, state officials provide an update on the General Chemical cleanup process, and coverage of I Believe Academy’s recent fundraiser and the Taste of MetroWest event.
The mayor unveiled the bottom line of his municipal budget proposal for the upcoming fiscal year on Tuesday. That same night, the Framingham School Committee continued to discuss how they can bridge the gap between their budget pitch and Sisitsky’s.
Tens of thousands of runners, wheelchair riders, and hand cyclists finished the journey from Hopkinton to Boylston Street this week, while about a half million spectators lined the 26.2 mile-long course to cheer the participants on. Thousands of those attendees watched the action unfold here in Framingham.
