The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Rockland, Massachusetts.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. By taking a few precautions, people can help protect themselves and their loved ones.
While the Rockland Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are providing residents with fact sheet on WNV and on reducing exposure to mosquitoes that are available at Rockland Board of Health Office and by visiting https://www.rockland-ma.gov/580/WEST-NILE-VIRUS
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.