Western Mass. towns discuss West Nile virus uptick

Date: 9/17/2021

WESTERN MASS. – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced increased risk in contracting West Nile Virus for six Western Mass. communities. Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Springfield and West Springfield have each experienced an increase from low to moderate, according to the DPH’s press release.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, West Nile Virus is “the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States.”

Jeanne Galloway, West Springfield’s director of public health, said over the past couple of weeks, there have been findings and positive cases of West Nile Virus in area mosquitos. While there have only been three human cases in the state this year, DPH has shared that two of the positive cases have been confirmed over the last week. Human cases have so far been limited to Middlesex and Essex Counties.

Most people who contract West Nile Virus from a mosquito bite will not experience any symptoms, said Ashley Boudreau, public health nurse for the towns of Longmeadow, Wilbraham Hampden and Monson.

“The vast majority, 80 percent of cases will have no symptoms. Those that do have febrile symptoms, so a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea,” Boudreau said. East Longmeadow Health Department Administrative Assistant Alix Roncarati added, patients may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. The symptoms are easy to mistake for other illnesses, Boudreau noted.

In rare, but serious cases, people can develop swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis, or of the tissue around the brain, known as meningitis. There is no medicine to treat West Nile Virus.

A central cause for the West Nile Virus increase is the ever-changing weather. Chicopee Health Director Lisa Sanders explained that the merging of humid summer conditions and fall rainfall has created a habitable environment for mosquitoes. “Due to all the fall rain and warm weather, there has been an increase in mosquitos carrying the West Nile Virus and thereby increasing the risk level for some communities,” said Sanders.

Galloway said, “People should take additional cautions.” She suggested that people pay close attention to what they’re doing or where they may be going, especially after dusk until dawn – as this is when mosquitoes are most active. “If you’re out during this time, especially near water, take precautions. This is the time of year for West Nile Virus – after Labor Day.”

Galloway said that people are encouraged to apply insect/mosquito repellent to avoid any bug bites. For instance, DEET is an active repellent and is the most common active ingredient in insect repellents. “If you’re sending your kids to sports in the evening or school in the morning, be careful and send a preferred repellent.” Other protective measures include installing or repairing window screens, avoid peak mosquito hours, and wear long sleeve clothing when possible, according to Sanders.

Boudreau suggested spraying clothing and outdoor gear with a product composed of 0.5 percent permethrin, an anti-parasitic bug repellent. Roncarati said using mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens can protect infants.

In addition, Galloway said that people should check their property for standing water. Standing water may be found inside of children's toys, potted plants and even gutters. “Mosquitoes can breed in these types of waters.” It doesn’t take long for them to breed, either. Roncarati said, “Mosquitoes can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days.”

In an effort to prevent this, people may purchase “mosquito dunks,” which Galloway claimed is easily available. The dunks are placed inside of the standing water and have a mosquito deterrent that kills the bug and its larvae. This can be used on larger properties, over an extended period of time.

"Up until the time when we’re below freezing [temperatures], there’s a chance for these pests,” to spread disease, Boudreau said.

To view the most up to date information on the West Nile Virus and where it’s been found in the state, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update. For further information on proper/preferred insect repellents, visit https://www.cdc.gov/.