West Nile virus detected in Massachusetts ‘earlier’ than normal: ‘People should take steps to prevent mosquito bites’

Mosquitoes trapped in Shrewsbury have tested positive for West Nile virus, the state Department of Public Health announced Tuesday, June 17. It is the first time this year that West Nile virus has been detected in Massachusetts and it comes at an unusually early time.

The virus was found in a sample collected from Shrewsbury on June 13, the Department of Public Health announced Tuesday. Mid-June is earlier than Massachusetts officials typically find West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes.