FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 09/05/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Framingham
FRAMINGHAM –The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today, September 5, 2025, the third confirmed human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the Commonwealth this year.
The individual, a man from Framingham, tested positive for the virus.
As a result, the risk level in the City of Framingham has been raised to high.
Last month, mosquitoes collected in Framingham tested positive for WNV. To date this season, the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project has conducted spraying in Framingham aboiut a half dozen times.
Although serious illness caused by WNV is uncommon, Massachusetts has reported 142 human cases between 2015 and 2024.
There were 19 cases in 2024, six cases in 2023, and eight cases in 2022.
In addition to the case announced today, two other human cases have been identified in Massachusetts in 2025.
WNV is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are found throughout Massachusetts, in both urban and rural areas. While people of all ages can become infected, adults over age 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for severe illness.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Residents are urged to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellent when outdoors. Choose products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or permethrin (for use on clothing and gear only). Always follow label instructions. DEET should not be used on infants under two months, and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under age three.
- Wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, pants, and socks, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours (dusk through dawn). If outdoors, take protective steps immediately if you notice mosquitoes.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Empty containers such as flowerpots, buckets, birdbaths, wading pools, and unclog gutters regularly.
- Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes outside.
Be Prepared
- Repair or replace torn window screens.
- Remove or treat stagnant water on private property, such as unused swimming pools.
- Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens.
- Apply insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn.
- Empty standing water at least twice a week.
- Adults over 50 and immunocompromised individuals should take extra precautions and consider limiting outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours.
For more information about West Nile Virus and updates on current and historical virus activity in Massachusetts, visit the MDPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
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