Brookline is now at high risk for West Nile Virus after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health upgraded the town's threat level Monday, Aug. 24, alongside six other communities: Boston, Cambridge, Everett, Newton, Somerville and Watertown.

The elevation came the same day state health officials announced Massachusetts' second human case of the season, a man in his 60s exposed in Middlesex County. A first case, a man in his 90s also exposed in Middlesex County, was announced Thursday, Aug. 20. Statewide, the department has detected 184 WNV-positive mosquito samples across 13 counties since mosquitoes began testing positive in mid-June.

The town's Public Health and Human Services Department has responded with targeted larvicide applications across all catch basins and selected wetland areas, according to a town advisory posted Wednesday, Aug. 26. The department is also maintaining mosquito traps to test regional populations for WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis in coordination with state officials.

Brookline's EEE risk remains low.

"With Brookline at high risk for West Nile Virus, simple precautions make all the difference," said Dr. John Kleschinsky, Public Health and Human Services director. "We urge everyone, especially those over 50 or with chronic health conditions, to use EPA-approved repellent, cover up, avoid outdoor activity between dusk and dawn when possible, and dump any standing water around their properties."

People over 50, those with chronic medical conditions and those with weakened immune systems face the greatest risk of severe illness. About 80% of infected people show no symptoms. Roughly 20% develop mild flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache and body aches. Fewer than 1% develop severe neurological illness.

State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a statement that the state is in peak WNV season and urged residents to use repellent, wear protective clothing and move indoors during dusk-to-dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active, WCVB reported.

The town recommends EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535. Parents should avoid DEET on infants under two months old and use no more than 30% concentration for older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three.

Mosquitoes will remain active until the first hard frost. The state conducts WNV and EEE surveillance from June through October.

Residents can contact Brookline Public Health and Human Services at 617-730-2300 for more information.