SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today announced that they are raising the West Nile virus threat level to “High” in Chicopee, and to “Moderate” in Holyoke, South Hadley, and West Springfield.

That’s after the DPH and Chicopee’s Health Director Lisa Sanders confirmed WNV illness in one Hampden County resident in Chicopee.

“The news that a Chicopee resident has contracted WNV is another indication that mosquito-borne illness is present across the state, and residents should continue using personal preventive measures to avoid getting bit by mosquitoes,” said Sanders.

The victim is a male, who is recovering from the disease.

There’s no word on his condition.

Department officials also confirmed that three Middlesex County residents have the virus.

In all, the four cases were listed as “probable” by the DPH earlier this week. All patients are recovering.

“Confirmation of these four cases is a timely reminder that people need to take the threat of mosquito-borne illness seriously no matter where they live,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. “Warm temperatures are forecast for Labor Day weekend, and it’s vitally important that people take steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their most active.”

As a result of the Middlesex County findings, the WNV threat level is being raised to “High” in Chelsea, Everett, Lexington, Malden, Medford, Melrose, Revere, Saugus, and Winthrop.

The threat level is being raised to “Moderate” in Bedford, Burlington, Lincoln, Stoneham, Wakefield, Winchester, and Woburn.

WNV infected mosquitoes have been found in 97 communities from nine counties so far during 2012, and health officials predict that the state is on track to have the greatest number of WNV-positive mosquito pools since WNV was first seen in Massachusetts in 2000.

There have been four human cases of WNV in Massachusetts prior to today’s announcement – three in Middlesex County and one in Berkshire County. There were six cases of WNV in Massachusetts residents and one in a horse last year.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito and most people infected will have no symptoms. When they are present symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness.

In rare cases, more severe illness can occur.

Some tips to help prevent contracting WNV are found below.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent      with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023),      oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to      the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on      infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of      30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used      on children under three years of age.
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from      dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider      rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early      morning.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing      long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes      away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number      of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or      discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any      unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths      frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having      tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains.

Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE.

If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2012, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.