Mosquito season is tightening its grip on western Massachusetts as state health officials have raised the West Nile virus risk to moderate in 10 more Berkshire County communities, leaving only six towns in the county below that level.
The change follows Massachusetts’ sixth confirmed human case of the virus and adds urgency for residents spending time outdoors as seasonal transmission typically peaks in late August and early September, according to The Berkshire Eagle.
Here’s what to know
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has moved Sandisfield, Otis, Monterey, Tyringham and Lee, along with Stockbridge, West Stockbridge, Richmond, Alford, and Egremont into the moderate-risk category.
In practical terms, that means human infection is considered likely to occur or may already have occurred in those areas…