West Nile Virus found in mosquito test sample in Jamaica Plain

A mosquito test sample from Jamaica Plain has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first sample from within the city to test positive this summer, the Boston Public Health Commission announced Thursday.

West Nile virus spreads to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. No human cases of the virus have been confirmed among Boston residents, according to BPHC.

“These test results are an important reminder that everyone needs to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases at this time of year,” BPHC Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu said in a statement. advertisement.

Although the risk to humans remains low, officials advise residents to protect themselves by draining pockets of standing water in which mosquitoes thrive, wearing insect repellent, making sure windows and doors are free of holes, and wearing long clothing and high socks outdoors.

Symptoms of the virus include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and body aches, which can last for a few days or several weeks. However, most infected people experience no signs or symptoms, and in most cases, mild symptoms resolve on their own without medical help, according to the BPHC.

Individuals over the age of 50 face an increased risk of developing severe symptoms, which can include high fever, neck stiffness, severe headache, confusion, lack of coordination, tremors, loss of vision, muscle weakness or paralysis, the BPHC said.

Officials said Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project BPHC plans to continue collecting mosquito samples from traps throughout Boston on a weekly basis during the summer and early fall.

“BPHC will continue to work with our partners to monitor this situation and keep residents informed,” Ojikuto said.