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BOSTON, June 23, 2025
Bay State Braces for Scorching Heat, west Nile Virus Detected
A heat emergency is declared as mosquito season arrives early.
- Massachusetts faces a potential heatwave with temperatures possibly hitting 100 degrees.
- The first positive mosquito sample for West Nile virus was found in Shrewsbury.
- Massachusetts political leaders react to president Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking to hire 50 more lifeguards.
- The MBTA Orange Line shutdown continues.
Massachusetts residents should prepare for extreme heat as a heatwave, defined as three consecutive days of at least 90 degrees, is expected, with meteorologists predicting temperatures coudl reach 100 degrees tomorrow.
A Heatwave Approaches
Meteorologist Danielle Noyes said there’s a real possibility of temperatures hitting 100 degrees across Massachusetts tomorrow. In response, Mayor Michelle Wu has declared a heat emergency in Boston through tomorrow, June 24.
Stay Cool and Hydrated
With the impending heat, it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses. Drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned spaces, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.
Did you know? A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with temperatures reaching at least 90 degrees.
West Nile Virus Detected in Shrewsbury
Massachusetts public health officials recently found this year’s first positive mosquito sample for West Nile virus in Shrewsbury. As climate change brings increased rainfall and heat,state epidemiologist Dr.Catherine Brown noted a trend over the past 10 to 20 years of more mosquito-borne illnesses.
What to know about West Nile virus
Even though there have been no human or animal cases reported yet, the early detection is a reminder to take precautions against mosquito bites. So, how can you protect yourself from West Nile virus? Here’s what you need to know:
- Dr. Brown said they detected West Nile about a week earlier than most years, attributing it to recent rainfall and hot temperatures, which “definitely support mosquito populations, and actually make the mosquitoes more efficient at spreading virus as well.”
- Last year, Massachusetts saw 19 human cases of west Nile and four human cases of EEE.
Simple steps to protect yourself
Dr. Brown advises using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, repairing window screens, and draining any containers that collect rainwater. “Otherwise, you’ll find that mosquitoes use [it] for breeding, and then you’re just producing more mosquitoes,” brown said. “We don’t need that.”
Political Fallout from Iran Strike
Massachusetts political leaders are reacting to President Trump’s decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. The management announced on Saturday evening that it had “obliterated” three nuclear sites in Iran, though experts say the level of damage is yet to be determined.
Democrats condemn, Republicans applaud
While the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation condemned the decision, some GOP political leaders praised Trump’s choice.
- Sen. elizabeth Warren described the strikes as a “horrific war of choice,” and called on the Senate to instantly vote to prevent a war.
- Sen. Ed Markey believes the action will not stop Iran’s efforts to develop a nuclear weapon, and called the attack “illegal and unconstitutional” as it was not approved by Congress. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark echoed Markey’s sentiment, calling Trump’s unilateral decision “unauthorized and unconstitutional.”
The other side of the coin
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale commended Trump for “making the tough decision to use military force” in Iran, adding that the country’s nuclear program was allowed to flourish “in no small part due to poor deals made under our former Sen. John Kerry,” who served as secretary of state during the Obama administration.
State House Weighs In
Gov. Maura Healey said last night that she had been briefed by the Trump administration on the “heightened threat habitat” in the wake of the strikes.”While there are no specific threats to Massachusetts at this time, we are continuing to coordinate with state, local and federal partners to closely monitor the situation,” Healey said, adding that her thoughts are with American military members deployed in the middle East.
Lifeguard shortage Looms
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) says it has hired most of the lifeguards it needs to staff the state’s pools and waterfronts this year. Still, the DCR is looking to add 50 more lifeguards to its roster by early July, particularly in metro Boston and northern Massachusetts.
Calling all strong swimmers
Shawn DeRosa, the state’s director of pool and waterfront safety, says pay for lifeguards starts at $22 per hour. The state will also pay for lifeguard training for strong swimmers. DeRosa says working as a lifeguard is a “great chance to not only serve the public, but earn some good money, make new friends, and maybe save a life.” Interested applicants can learn more about training here.
MBTA Orange Line Shutdown Continues
A reminder for MBTA riders: The nine-day Orange Line shutdown continues between Back Bay and Forest Hills through Friday and will extend to North Station this weekend.
Expert Insights on Mosquito-borne Illnesses in Massachusetts
The early detection of West Nile virus in Shrewsbury underscores a growing concern about mosquito-borne illnesses in Massachusetts. Public health officials are urging residents to take preventative measures. What actions are recommended to protect yourself and your community from West Nile virus?
Climate change is contributing to an increase in both rainfall and warmer temperatures. This creates an surroundings that is highly favorable for mosquito breeding and the spread of viruses.
West Nile virus: What You Need to Know Further
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Understanding the virus and how it spreads is critical for prevention. Here’s a deeper dive:
- Transmission: Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Then, they can spread the virus to humans and other animals when they bite.
- Symptoms: Many people infected with WNV won’t show any symptoms.About 20% will develop flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue.
- Severe Illness: In rare cases, WNV can cause severe illness, affecting the nervous system. This includes encephalitis (brain swelling) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord).
Last year, the state saw 19 human cases of West Nile virus and four cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), another mosquito-borne illness. The early detection of WNV this year is a reminder to take precautions.
Additional preventive measures
Beyond the advice already given, consider these steps to reduce mosquito populations around your home:
- Eliminate Standing Water: Regularly empty containers that collect water, such as flower pots, bird baths, and pet water bowls.
- Use Mosquito Dunks: These are effective in standing water sources and can kill mosquito larvae before they become breeding adults.
- Personal Protection at Dusk: This is when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing long sleeves and pants during these times can provide extra protection.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellent. Be sure to reapply according to the product’s instructions.
Proactive Local Responses
Local municipalities and the state are taking steps to address the rising threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
- Surveillance Programs: Public health officials continuously monitor mosquito populations through trapping and testing programs. They will be looking where the recent rainfall and temperature increases are causing more frequent breeding cycles.
- Public Education campaigns: These efforts raise awareness about mosquito-borne illnesses and promote preventative measures.
West Nile Virus FAQs
Here are some common questions about West Nile virus, answered concisely:
Q: How long does it take for symptoms of West Nile Virus to develop?
A: if symptoms develop, they typically appear 2-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Q: Can I get West Nile virus from someone else?
A: No, WNV is only transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito or, rarely, through blood transfusions, organ transplants, or from mother to fetus.
Q: Is there a vaccine for West Nile virus?
A: There is currently no vaccine for humans, but there are vaccines for horses.
Q: what are some natural remedies I can use to repel mosquitos from my yard?
A: Consider planting mosquito-repelling plants like citronella, lavender, and peppermint.
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