Massachusetts Department of Public Health Arboviral Testing

Live female adult mosquitoes from the NEMMC historic location surveillance traps are collected weekly. Mosquitoes are kept frozen, identified to species and batched in our laboratory. Then the individual batches “pools” are send to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health were they are tested for the two most common mosquito borne arboviruses in our state: WNV and EEE.

Testing of adult female mosquito specimens starts on June 15th for primary vector species, July 1st to 15th for bridge vector species and ceases for all species on October 1st,  unless there is an expressed need to extend the testing season due to increased arboviral risk.

The MDPH informs the media and public of positive tests results, regions of increased disease risk, and other important up-to-date information through its website. Information regarding personal protection measures, general background information, and regular updates on surveillance and laboratory analysis is available at this site.

Please visit the Massachusetts Arbovirus Daily Update to view real-time results for mosquitoes, animal and humans. Risk maps will be updated routinely throughout the mosquito season.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Main objectives:

Monitor trends in EEE and WNV in Massachusetts

  • Provide timely information on the distribution and intensity of WNV and EEE activity in the environment
  • Perform laboratory diagnosis of WNV and EEE cases in humans, horses and other animals
  • Testing mosquito batches for disease through the Public Health Laboratory 
  • Communicate effectively with officials and the public
  • Provide guidelines, advice, and support on activities that effectively reduce risk for disease
  • Provide information on the safety, anticipated benefits, and potential adverse effects of proposed prevention interventions

Refer to the State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) Massachusetts Emergency Operations Response Plan for Mosquito-Borne Illness for additional information.

Please click here to download the 2023 MDPH Arbovirus Surveillance Plan.

c

2024 EPI Calendar pdf

What is an “Epidemiological Year or MMWR Week”?