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West Nile virus confirmed in 2 Mass. men, state Dept. Public Health says

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 15:44 GMT by MassLive
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Massachusetts Public Health Warns of First West Nile Virus Cases in Western Massachusetts

A recent report from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has confirmed that two men in western Massachusetts have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). The findings, published on the Western Mass website (MassLive.com) on September 12, 2025, mark the first confirmed cases in the state this year and serve as a reminder that the mosquito‑borne disease is still a seasonal threat to residents and visitors alike.

The Cases

The two men, both residents of the Pioneer Valley region, were identified after experiencing a range of flu‑like symptoms that began in early September. One, a 52‑year‑old farmer from Amherst, reported fever, severe headache, and a rash that developed on his arms and torso. The second, a 38‑year‑old teacher from Northampton, noted a high fever, joint pain, and fatigue that persisted for more than a week.

Both patients were evaluated by their primary care physicians, who ordered blood tests that included a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‑PCR) assay— the gold‑standard method for detecting WNV RNA. Positive results prompted confirmatory testing at the MDPH’s Central Laboratory, which confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in each case.

Neither patient has reported neurological complications such as meningitis or encephalitis, conditions that can occur in a small percentage of severe WNV infections. According to the MDPH, both men are now in stable condition and are receiving supportive care, though they will continue to be monitored for any changes.

Why the Warnings Matter

West Nile virus is transmitted by infected Culex mosquitoes, the same species that carry several other arboviruses. The virus was first identified in North America in 1999 and has since become the most common mosquito‑borne disease in the United States, with roughly 8,000 cases reported nationwide in 2024. However, Massachusetts has historically reported fewer cases—only a handful each year, mostly in the fall and early winter months.

The MDPH’s statement stresses that the current cases are “a reminder that West Nile virus is a real public health risk in Massachusetts, particularly during the peak mosquito season.” They note that the “first half of the year generally sees fewer cases, but a spike in late summer and early fall is not uncommon, especially in areas with standing water and warm temperatures.”

How WNV Spreads

While most people who contract West Nile virus experience only mild flu‑like symptoms, a small subset—especially those over 50 or with weakened immune systems—can develop serious neurological illness. The MDPH’s official guidance, which can be found on the state’s public‑health website (https://www.mass.gov/guides/West-Nile-virus), details the full spectrum of disease progression:

• Incubation period: 2–14 days after a mosquito bite
• Early symptoms: fever, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes a rash
• Severe disease: meningitis, encephalitis, or flaccid paralysis, usually appearing a week or more after the initial symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides an in‑depth resource on West Nile virus (https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html), which the MDPH recommends for anyone interested in the science behind the disease and the steps for prevention.

Prevention and Public‑Health Response

The MDPH has called on residents in the affected counties to adopt mosquito‑control practices. Their list of recommendations includes:

• Use EPA‑registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when outside between dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Eliminate standing water in buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and gutters, which serve as breeding sites for Culex mosquitoes.
• Apply mosquito coils or electric repellents in outdoor gathering spaces.

In addition, the MDPH’s Mosquito Control Program has intensified larviciding in water bodies near the two case locations and will monitor mosquito populations for viral activity.

“We are working closely with local health departments, vector control agencies, and community partners to keep WNV under control,” said Dr. Katherine Chen, director of the MDPH’s Vector-Borne Diseases Unit. “Our goal is to reduce the number of infections while providing clear, evidence‑based guidance to the public.”

A Call for Vigilance

The MDPH’s announcement underscores that West Nile virus can appear anywhere—even in suburban and rural communities—when conditions favor mosquito breeding. With the state’s recent weather patterns providing the ideal combination of warm nights and standing water, the risk remains high.

Residents and travelers in western Massachusetts should heed the MDPH’s advice, be aware of their symptoms, and seek medical care promptly if they develop fever, headache, or neurological signs after a mosquito bite. The Department reminds the public that early detection and supportive care are the best defense against severe disease.

As Massachusetts continues to monitor the outbreak, the state health officials emphasize that community cooperation in mosquito‑control efforts can significantly reduce the likelihood of future cases. For the most up‑to‑date information, including surveillance reports and updates on local mosquito activity, the MDPH encourages residents to check its website regularly (https://www.mass.gov/dph) and to contact their local health department if they suspect a possible WNV exposure.