West Nile risk up in 10 MA towns

Public health officials say the risk is elevated in ten Massachusetts communities as heat fuels mosquitoes.

Massachusetts faces high West Nile risk in 10 communities

Boston public health officials say the risk for West Nile virus is now high in ten Massachusetts communities, including Acton, Bedford, Billerica, Boston, Brookline, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Lowell, and Newton. The elevated risk comes as a heat wave settles over the region, creating conditions for mosquitoes to breed. The state public health laboratory confirmed the first positive West Nile mosquito sample on June 17, and 168 positive mosquito samples have been found across multiple counties. There has also been one animal case, a goat in Lunenburg, and no human cases have been reported yet. Separately, Eastern equine encephalitis virus has been detected in mosquitoes in several towns, with 12 municipalities in Bristol and Plymouth counties at moderate risk.

Massachusetts faces a broader pattern of rising mosquito-borne disease risk that reflects warm, humid weather and urban density. The current map shows risk in ten communities for West Nile and new detections of EEE in multiple counties, signaling that this is not an isolated spike but a statewide warning. Public health messaging must stay clear and practical, focusing on protection and prevention rather than alarm. Local officials will need sustained coordination and resources as the season progresses.

Highlights

Officials will monitor conditions and share updates as summer continues.