Epi Week #35 - 2017 General Statements

August 27 – September 2

Massachusetts has confirmed 228 WNV-positive mosquito pools so far this season, with WNV activity in every mainland county in the state. There are now a total of 140 towns and cities in 11 counties at MODERATE risk for WNV. We continue to see a high amount of WNV activity statewide, however, the state still remains without a confirmed human or animal case of WNV. EEEv activity remains low.

Weather

There was limited precipitation across the state for Epi Week 35, except for the Cape and Islands. Bristol, Plymouth, most of Norfolk County, and the northwest tip of Essex County have actually re-entered drought conditions at the D0 level (Abnormally Dry). Anecdotal observations along I95 south of Boston indicate the vegetation is feeling this after a very dry August, with many roadside weeds seen with dying or yellowing leaves and some red maples already starting to show their fall colors.

Precipitation in MA for EPI Week 35, 2017

As this report goes to press, we are ending Epi Week 36 with the first significant rain since July having come through at the start of the week. Nighttime temps remain cool. It is too soon to tell if Hurricane Irma will impact us during Epi Week 37.