Massachusetts raises West Nile risk in nearly a dozen towns after 6th human case

Key Points:

• Massachusetts health officials have raised the West Nile virus risk to moderate in 10 additional Berkshire County communities, leaving only six towns below that level amid the sixth confirmed human case in the state.
• The new moderate-risk areas include Sandisfield, Otis, Monterey, Tyringham, Lee, Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, Richmond, Alford, and Egremont, where human infection is considered likely or may have already occurred.
• The state's sixth confirmed case involved a man in his 70s from Suffolk County who developed encephalitis, highlighting the serious risks of West Nile virus, especially for people over 50.
• Berkshire County has not yet reported a human case but has found three more positive mosquito samples recently; meanwhile, most of the state remains at low risk for Eastern Equine Encephalitis despite some mosquito detections.
• Officials urge residents to eliminate standing water, use mosquito repellent, fix screens, and take precautions especially during outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of vigilance as mosquito-borne illnesses peak in late summer.