EAST LONGMEADOW — During an annual surveillance, a mosquito in East Longmeadow was identified as carrying West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is an illness spread by mosquitoes that can cause symptoms similar to Influenza, such as fever, nausea and headaches, although 80% of people infected do not experience any symptoms, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Residents more than 50 years of age have an increased risk of illness.
The virus can be passed to residents of any age by a mosquito bite, East Longmeadow Public Health Director Tammy Spencer told Reminder Publishing. To reduce risk of a mosquito bite, Spencer stated that residents should utilize EPA-approved insect repellent and minimize outdoor activities during dawn and dusk. This is the peak time for mosquitos.
Spencer also noted that mosquitos breed in standing water, stating that residents should “empty out any containers and make provisions to keep water from collecting” as well as ensure doors remain closed to further minimize risk.
Standing water can include outside containers, roof gutters, unused pools, puddles, birdbaths and wheelbarrows, the Department of Public Health said. Mosquitos can breed in standing water that has been there for four or more days.
Similarly, the organization recommended that residents place mosquito netting on playpens and baby carriages when outside and repair any holes in screens from windows or doors.
As of press time, the single WNV-infected mosquito was the only positive sample from Hampden County in 2024 since testing began in June, according to the Department of Public Health. It was identified on July 15. Annual testing will continue until October. The Department of Public Health currently lists the entire state as “low risk” for West Nile virus.
In addition to West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis — better known as EEE — is another mosquito-transmitted illness that is spread in the state. As of press time, East Longmeadow was also listed as “low risk” for EEE by the Department of Public Health, with the only samples in 2024 recorded in Plymouth County.
There were no human or animal cases of West Nile virus or EEE recorded by the Department of Public Health at press time.
For more information about West Nile virus and EEE, visit mass.gov/info-details/mosquito-borne-disease-prevention or contact the East Longmeadow Health Department by phone at 413-525-5400, ext. 1106.
A risk map, updated regularly by the Department of Public Health, is also available at mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-and-wnv-risk-level-by-city/town.
