WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health [DPH] raised its assessment of the risk of West Nile virus in some Worcester County municipalities, including the City of Worcester, to moderate.
When DPH announced the seventh human case of West Nile virus detected in Massachusetts on September 16, the communities rated as moderate were Blackstone, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millville, Northbridge, Upton, and Uxbridge.
DPH added Boylston, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Westborough and Worcester to the list of communities rated at moderate risk.
All other communities in Worcester County remain at low risk.
West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
For simple steps to protect yourself, your family and your pets from mosquito born disease, see these tips from the Department of Public Health.
