DPH: moderate arbovirus risk in Weston

The risk for tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses in Weston has been elevated to moderate.

The Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) elevated the risk level for arbovirus on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Arbovirus is any virus spread to humans by bites from infected mosquito or tick, and includes West Nile Virus and eastern equine encephalitis or EEE.

Weston Public Health Director Kelly Pawluczonek said an increase in these illnesses is common at the end of summer.

“It’s always this time of year when we see the transition from low to moderate,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we hit high if another person gets infected.”

Pawluczonek said a second case of West Nile virus in Middlesex County triggered the risk elevation. The Department of Health does not release the location of the infected patient to protect their medical privacy. She also highlighted that other nearby areas are at higher risk, including Brookline and Newton. The risk for eastern equine encephalitis, known as EEE or triple E, remains low.

The advice for preventing mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses remains the same, according to Pawluczonek. She suggests wearing protective clothing and taking extra care between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.

“It’s important to check standing water around your yard. People forget about that, things like water on tarps,” Pawluczonek said. “Wear bugspray with DEET in it, it’s the usual prevention.”