July 13, 2022 - The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the Town of Easton. No mosquitos with WNV have been found in Randolph. WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of fifty (50) are at higher risk for severe infection.
The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Symptoms of WNV include fever, headaches, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. Most people recover completely, but fatigue and weakness may last for weeks or months.
Avoid Mosquito bites by following these simple steps;
- Eliminate stagnant water around your home by draining or removing items that hold rain water.
- Keep doors and windows closed or at least have tightly fitting screens around your doors and windows so the mosquitoes do not come into your home.
- Know that mosquitoes are most actively biting at dusk and at dawn.
- Wear clothing that can help prevent mosquito bites at dusk and at dawn, (wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants, hat and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from your skin).
- Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors.
For more information visit The Commonwealth of Massachusetts website or contact Gerard F. Cody, REHS/RS, Public Health Commissioner at 781-961-0924 or gcody@randolph-ma.gov.
Letter from the Health Department (PDF)
Fact Sheet on West Nile Virus (PDF)
Fèy Enfòmasyon Viris West Nile La (WNV) (PDF)
Tờ Thông Tin Sừc Khỏe Siêu Vi Miền Tây Sông Nile (PDF)
马萨诸塞州公共卫生情况简报 西尼罗病毒（WNV）(PDF)
Folheto Informativo Vírus do Nilo Ocidental (WNV) (PDF)