Thursday, August 23, 2018
Preventing West Nile Virus
My office received the following information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding the increased risk level of West Nile virus statement:
Massachusetts public health officials raise West Nile
virus risk level to moderate statewide
Residents
urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes
BOSTON (August 21, 2018) – The Massachusetts Department of
Public Health (DPH) today announced it was raising the risk level for West Nile
virus from low to moderate in
every Massachusetts city and town and urged residents to take precautions
against mosquito bites.
Of the 351 cities and towns
in Massachusetts, 162 communities are already considered to be at moderate risk
for West Nile virus. This is only the second time that public health
officials have raised the risk level statewide.
“The hot, humid weather in
Massachusetts combined with frequent heavy rainfall has provided perfect
conditions for mosquito species carrying West Nile Virus to breed,” said Public
Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “I strongly encourage
everyone to keep using insect repellant and to be especially aware of mosquito
activity at dusk and dawn when the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes is
greatest. Move indoors if you are getting bitten.”
While WNV can infect people
of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV
symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more
severe illness can occur.
“August and September
are the months when most human cases occur,’’ said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr.
Catherine Brown. “That’s why we are taking this step today so together we can
help keep people from getting sick.”
Apply
Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent
with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin,
picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or
IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products
should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in
concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should
not be used on children under three years of age.
Be
Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from
dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling
outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high
risk.
Clothing
Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing
long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away
from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your
Home:
Drain
Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in
standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to
breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain
gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change
the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install
or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having
tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals:
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding
sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as
buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs
provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least
once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas.
Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk
of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian
about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to
prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are
required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795
and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information,
including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus
Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito
or
by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
Helpful videos on preventing West Nile Virus:
