State Raises Risk Level for West Nile in Southeastern Mass.

PLYMOUTH – The Department of Public Health has upgraded the risk level for West Nile virus in a number of Southeastern Massachusetts communities.

Officials have raised the risk level from low to moderate in 31 cities and towns in Plymouth, Bristol, and Norfolk counties. Some of the affected communities include Plymouth, New Bedford, Fairhaven, Plympton, Halifax, Pembroke, and Kingston.

There was no change in risk status for any Cape Cod towns. 

Positive tests for the virus have been detected in some South Shore and South Coast towns, including Fairhaven, Halifax, Kingston, Marion, Middleboro, and Plymouth.

289 mosquitos have come back positive for West Nile in Massachusetts this year. There have only been two human cases, one in Bristol County in August and the other in Hampden County in September.

The only positive test for the more dangerous Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus came in Westport earlier this year. State officials say the risk for EEE remains low at this time.