The Wellesley Health Department received word that a mosquito sample in Wellesley tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The risk of infection in our community is currently at a moderate level.
Risk levels are regularly updated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH). Wellesley works with the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project to regularly trap and test mosquitoes for diseases like WNV and EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis).
While a test pool of mosquitoes was positive for WNV, there are no reported animal or human cases in our area.
Health officials are encouraging people to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including using repellant, draining standing water, and limiting outdoor activities during morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are more active.
For more information, read the Health Department fact sheet on mosquito borne disease and risks.