Massachusetts health officials confirm first animal case of West Nile virus of 2025
West Nile virus has been detected in an animal for the first time in the state in 2025, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.A goat was exposed to West Nile virus in Lunenburg in Middlesex County. The towns of Lunenburg, Leominster, Shirley and Fitchburg are being raised to moderate risk, health officials said.The first evidence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in 2025 was announced on June 17, and 10 positive mosquito samples have been identified so far this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus detected. There were 19 human cases of West Nile virus in 2024 and no animal cases. No evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found so far this season, health officials said. There were four human cases of EEE and three animal cases – all in horses – in 2024.When transmitted to humans through a bite, West Nile virus can cause fever, headache and nausea, and, in rare cases, serious illness.Health officials say you should take precautions to avoid bites when outside.Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no symptoms, while about 20% of those who become infected can experience symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands.People may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
LUNENBURG, Mass. —
West Nile virus has been detected in an animal for the first time in the state in 2025, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
A goat was exposed to West Nile virus in Lunenburg in Middlesex County. The towns of Lunenburg, Leominster, Shirley and Fitchburg are being raised to moderate risk, health officials said.
The first evidence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in 2025 was announced on June 17, and 10 positive mosquito samples have been identified so far this year. There have been no human cases of West Nile virus detected. There were 19 human cases of West Nile virus in 2024 and no animal cases.
No evidence of Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found so far this season, health officials said. There were four human cases of EEE and three animal cases – all in horses – in 2024.
When transmitted to humans through a bite, West Nile virus can cause fever, headache and nausea, and, in rare cases, serious illness.
Health officials say you should take precautions to avoid bites when outside.
Most people bitten by infected mosquitoes experience no symptoms, while about 20% of those who become infected can experience symptoms like fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands.
People may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back.
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