First human case of West Nile virus diagnosed in Boston resident

Local news

The man, in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, officials said.

A Boston resident has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first human case of the mosquito-borne disease identified in the city this season, authorities said Tuesday.

The man, in his late 60s, is being treated and his condition is improving, the Boston Public Health Commission said in a statement. His diagnosis came a week after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health raised the risk level for West Nile virus in Boston to “high.”

According to the city, the first mosquito samples that tested positive for the virus were collected in July in Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Roxbury and West Roxbury. State health officials say four human cases of West Nile virus have been diagnosed across Massachusetts so far this year.

“BPHC continues to work closely with our state partners to monitor the spread of West Nile virus,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city's health officer and executive director of the Boston Public Health Commission, in a statement. “We can all take simple steps to protect ourselves from mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus. Individuals who are outdoors at dusk or dawn should wear long sleeves and use insect repellent.”

While most people who become infected with West Nile virus do not show any symptoms or illness, some people develop headaches, fever, vomiting or body aches, according to the Health Commission. Most recover on their own without treatment, but older people may be at higher risk of severe symptoms.

Boston health officials urged residents to take the following steps to prevent mosquito-borne diseases:

• Avoid spending long periods outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear long clothes and high socks to keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, picaridin or IR3535.
• Make sure that the fly screens in windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.
• Regularly empty and clean birdbaths, unused flowerpots and other containers containing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding. Turn over unused wading pools and dispose of old tires, which are also known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes to breed.
• Clean gutters regularly and remove any dirt or blockages.