July 9, 2026 ~ Boston Public Health Commission Confirms First Positive West Nile Virus Test Sample in Jamaica Plain

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has announced that a mosquito test sample collected from Jamaica Plain has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This marks the first positive sample for the virus in Boston this summer. The BPHC works closely with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project to protect residents from mosquito-borne diseases and regularly collects samples from traps around the city during the summer and early fall. The latest information on test results can be found on boston.gov/mosquito.

West Nile Virus is a disease carried by mosquitoes and can be transmitted to humans through a bite from an infected mosquito. While there are currently no confirmed human cases of WNV among Boston residents and the risk of transmission is low, BPHC is urging all residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their families.

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According to Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston, "These test results are an important reminder that everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illnesses this time of year." She also emphasized that WNV can be particularly dangerous for seniors and other vulnerable populations.

To reduce the risk of WNV, BPHC recommends avoiding mosquito bites by following these strategies:

- Regularly emptying out and cleaning bird baths, unused flowerpots, and other vessels containing standing water where mosquitoes can breed.

- Flipping over unused kiddie pools and disposing of old tires, which are known to collect rainwater that attracts mosquitoes.

- Cleaning out gutters regularly and removing any debris or blockages.

- Avoiding spending extended periods of time outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

- Wearing long clothing and high socks to prevent mosquitoes from biting exposed skin.

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- Using EPA-approved insect repellents such as DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.

- Ensuring that screens on windows and doors fit properly and do not have any holes.

BPHC will continue to work with their partners to monitor the situation and keep residents informed. While most people infected with WNV do not experience any symptoms, some may experience mild symptoms such as headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches. These symptoms can last for a few days or several weeks and usually resolve on their own without medical treatment.

However, individuals over 50 years of age are at a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms such as high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, tremors, vision loss, and muscle paralysis or weakness. If anyone experiences these symptoms or knows someone who does, they are advised to seek medical attention immediately.

For more information on WNV and other mosquito-borne illnesses, residents can visit BPHC's website. In the meantime, BPHC urges everyone to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities from mosquito-borne diseases.

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