Epi week #28 - 2017 General Statements

We have now had 7 WNV-positive mosquito pools in in the state, including several in and around the Boston area, a region of the state known to be a hotspot for this virus. Given current trends in mosquito populations and the existing weather pattern, it is likely WNV levels will continue to build.

Weather

Another precipitation map split down the middle this past week, with the western half of the state receiving up to 1.5 inches of rain or more, while the eastern half remained relatively dry. We are at the time of year when rain accumulation is dependent more on scattered storm events than big systems, which means that even within a county the precipitation amounts can vary greatly. Looking back at the summer so far, the Boston area has accumulated about 7.5 inches of rain, which is slightly above average, but far above the 2 inches received during last year’s drought.

As this report goes to press (July 20), we are rounding out a week filled with 90’F+ days and extremely warm and humid nights. Looking into Epi Week 30, expect average precipitation and cooler than average temperatures, though temperatures should return to normal by the end of the week.