(August 24, 2026) – On Monday, the state Department of Public Health announced a second human case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts this year. News of the first case came last week. Both people were exposed in Middlesex County, though the state has not said in which communities.
The state noted an elevated risk of West Nile Virus in “Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown,” yet didn’t mention communities on this side of Middlesex County.
Since June, West Nile Virus has been found in 184 mosquito samples across Massachusetts, the state noted. Last week, the Town of Ayer announced West Nile Virus had been found in mosquito samples here, in the eastern part of town.
Spraying was scheduled in areas around Littleton Road, Sandy Pond Road, Snake Hill Road, Willow Road and Mount Laurel Road. The Central Mass Mosquito Control Project posted a more specific list of streets on its website.
In this week’s announcement, the state’s public health commissioner warned that Massachusetts is currrently in peak season for West Nile Virus and the risk is high for many, including those who are older or have compromised immune systems. Here are some tips from the state press release:
- Use a mosquito repellant with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET. Check the state’s announcement for the suggested active ingredients.
- Dawn and dusk are peak mosquito hours; try to reduce your time outdoors if you can.
- Consider wearing long sleeves and covering up to keep mosquitos away from your skin.
- Drain standing water.
- Repair screens on windows and doors.
- You may also consider installing screens on unprotected areas.
- If you have animals, remove standing water containers especially after heavy rains.
The Nashoba Associated Boards of Health has also published steps residents can take to reduce their risk on Facebook.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports the symptoms of West Nile Virus usually set in about 2-6 days after someone is bitten, but also notes the timeframe may be 2-14 days. Most people who get West Nile Virus – 80 percent – do not develop symptoms.
However, about 20 percent develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea or rash. While fatigue and weakness can linger for weeks or months, most people fully recover.
But West Nile Virus can lead to death. Between 2001 and 2025, there have been 273 cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts, resulting in 20 deaths (Mass.gov West Nile Virus web page).
There has also been EEE news in Massachusetts this year. Last week, testing found EEE in mosquito samples in Kingston, on the South Shore.
EEE is rare, but serious. In 2019, there were 12 human cases reported in Massachusetts, resulting in six deaths. There were also deaths in 2020 and 2024, per the state’s recent announcement.