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BOSTON (July 11, 2019) – The Mbadachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in the Mbadachusetts mosquito for the first time this year. The presence of WNV was confirmed today by the Mbadachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a sample of mosquitoes collected on July 3 in Boston, Suffolk County. No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected so far this year. There is no change in the level of high risk or change in the level of risk badociated with this finding.
"The first sample of WNV positive mosquitoes is often identified in Mbadachusetts during the last week of June or the first week of July," said Dr. Catherine Brown, Chief Epidemiologist at DPH. "The risk of human infection generally increases throughout the season, with maximum risk in August."
WNV is usually transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2018, 49 cases of WNV infection in humans were contracted in Mbadachusetts – the highest number of cases recorded by the Commonwealth in a single year. Although WNV can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for serious illness. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and influenza-like illness. In rare cases, a more serious illness may occur.
"People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from diseases caused by mosquitoes," said Dr. Brown. "Prevention tools include the use of a mosquito repellent containing an ingredient registered under the EPA guidelines, wear clothing to reduce exposed skin when weather permits, and drain stagnant water for prevent mosquito breeding and repair mosquito nets to keep mosquitoes out of your home, "she says.
Avoid mosquito bites
Apply an insect repellent to the outside. Use an insect repellent containing an ingredient registered with the EPA (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridine (KBR 3023), lemon eucalyptus oil [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used in infants less than two months of age and should be used at concentrations up to 30% in older children. The lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used in children under three years of age.
Be aware of mosquito rush hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are rush hours for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities in the evening or early morning in high-risk areas.
Clothes can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when you are outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your home
Drain stagnant water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Limit the number of places around your house where mosquitoes can reproduce by draining or discarding items containing water. Check the gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water of bird baths frequently.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by installing tightly fitting mosquito nets on all your doors and windows.
Protect your animals
Pet owners should reduce the number of mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating stagnant water containers such as buckets, tires and wading pools, especially after heavy rains. Water troughs are excellent habitats for mosquito proliferation and should be rinsed at least once a week during the summer months to reduce the number of mosquitoes near the enclosures. Horse owners must keep horses in stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Homeowners should also talk to their veterinarian about approved mosquito repellents for use in animals and vaccines to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Animal Health Division, by calling 617-626-1795, and at Department of Public Health, 617-983-6800.
More information, including all positive results for WNV and EEE, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Web page at www.mbad.gov/dos/mosquito, which is up-to-date. daily. or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Division at 617-983-6800.
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