The PVMCD surveillance report is attached for EPI week 35. There were 12 WNV positive mosquito pools (all Cx. pipiens/restuans) confirmed in Pioneer Valley during EPI week 35: Amherst (1 pool), Bernardston (1 pool), Deerfield (2 pools), East Longmeadow (4 pools), Holyoke (1 pool), Palmer (1 pool), and West Springfield (2 pools). Risk levels have increased to moderate in multiple Pioneer Valley communities (see map below). Risk levels for EEE have remained unchanged.
State Health Officials Announce Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts | Mass.gov
Current WNV Risk Level Map:
Please continue reminding folks that we’re not out of the woods yet, and that they should still be taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Outreach materials are available at https://pvmcd.org/public-education/ and https://www.mass.gov/lists/mosquito-borne-disease-educational-materials.
Key Facts and Messaging for EEE and WNV:
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a very rare but serious disease spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes. There is no specific treatment for EEE; prevention is crucial.
Severity
- It can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and can affect both humans and horses
- About 30% of people who develop severe EEE die from the infection
- Survivors may suffer permanent neurological damage
Symptoms
- Fever, chills, joint pain, muscle aches, confusion, seizures, and coma
Prevention
- Avoid peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use EPA-approved insect repellents.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
- Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out.
- Eliminate standing water by regularly emptying containers that collect water, such as flowerpots, bird baths, kiddie pools, tarps, and gutters.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-disease that can cause illness in humans and animals.
- Humans: Roughly 80% of people infected with WNV do not develop any symptoms. Severe symptoms may occur in about 1 in 150 infected people.
- Horses: Can develop severe neurological disease. Vaccines are available for horses as a preventative.
- Birds: Amplifying hosts; they play a key role in spreading the virus to mosquitoes.
Symptoms in Humans
- Mild cases: Fever, headache, body aches, rash, and fatigue.
- Severe cases (about 1 in 150): Encephalitis or meningitis (swelling of the brain and/or spine), which can be life-threatening.
- Higher risk: People over 60 or with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop serious illness.
Best Protection:
- Avoid peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use EPA-approved repellents.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when possible.
- Ensure window and door screens are intact to keep mosquitoes out.
- Eliminate standing water by regularly emptying containers that collect water, such as flowerpots, bird baths, kiddie pools, tarps, and gutters.
- Talk to your veterinarian about the WNV horse vaccine.
Please review the attachment Pioneer Valley Weekly Surveillance Report