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As the heat and humidity of the end of summer persist this week, there is another source of discomfort. The wet conditions are ideal for increased mosquito activity, warns the AccuWeather weather forecast service.
High temperatures should reach 82 degrees Wednesday, with high humidity that would give the impression of being 89 degrees. But no local heat notice has been issued.
The AccuWWeather Insect Warning comes at a time when state health authorities are also reporting more cases of mosquito-borne diseases in Massachusetts. And the state reported that other mosquitoes were found in New Bedford with West Nile virus. A notice from the New Bedford Mayor's Office, Jon Mitchell, said the mosquitoes were found in a sample collected near the rural cemetery, located at 149 Datmouth Road. Infected mosquitoes are a species that feeds primarily on birds, according to the city's opinion.
On Tuesday, four more cases of West Nile virus were reported in Massachusetts, including one that led to the hospitalization of a man from Bristol County in his sixties.
In addition to the man from an unspecified community in Bristol County, public health officials said the latest cases include: a 40-year-old man from Middlesex County who is hospitalized; and a woman in her 20s from Essex County and an 80 year old woman from Suffolk County who were hospitalized during their illness.
This brings to nine the total number of WNV cases in Massachusetts this year, said the DPH. A horse from Hampshire County and a Worcester County lama have also been diagnosed with WNV this year.
Earlier this summer, West Nile virus was detected in mosquito traps in New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fairhaven, health officials said.
"The risk of WNV contamination by additional people is ongoing," said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel. "It's extremely important that people take steps to avoid mosquito bites, including using repellents, wearing clothes to reduce exposed skin, throwing stagnant water and moving to the water." 39, indoors in the presence of mosquitoes.
"Even though Labor Day is the last day of summer for many people, September is still a month when we usually see a lot of WNV cases in humans," said Catherine Brown, DPH's epidemiologist. "Today's announcement illustrates why we continue to urge everyone to be vigilant to avoid mosquito bites."
Meanwhile, the city of New Bedford has announced an additional spraying to control mosquito populations around parks and public places. According to a city council opinion, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will spray some areas early Thursday morning.
Areas to be targeted in this round of ground spraying include Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Park, Ashley Park, Poor Farm Zone, Oak Grove Cemetery, and the Center. New Bedford City. Spraying will take place between 2 am and sunrise, weather permitting, municipal officials said in a statement.
Residents near targeted spray areas may wish to close their windows on Wednesday night to avoid contact with spray.
The city's health department, in collaboration with the DPH Mosquito Control Project and the DPH Mass, has been monitoring the potential threat of mosquitoes with Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus. As part of the program, mosquito traps are installed in areas where groups of mosquitoes, called swimming pools, are gathered. Workers monitor mosquito populations during the summer months.
Anyone who sees a trap – a small gray box – should not touch it.
City officials urge residents to take the following precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:
Avoid outdoor activities in the evening or early morning because it is at this time that mosquitoes are the most active.
Even if the weather is hot, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks outdoors.
Apply an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridine (KBR 3023), IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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 of 30% or less in older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used in children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, mosquito nets and camping equipment and should not be applied to the skin.
Repair screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
Remove stagnant water around your property, spill or drain containers where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Change the water in wading pools and bird baths; spill flower pots containing water; and check the tarpaulins for puddles that may contain mosquito larvae.
Take precautions if you go out tonight. Wear mosquito repellent and appropriate clothing to keep mosquitoes away.
Mosquitoes remain active throughout the fall and only begin to reduce their activity after a frost or intense frost. This does not usually happen in SoutnCoast until mid-October.
Meanwhile, we will all feel a day of more heat and humidity, forecasters said. Thursday will bring higher temperatures, followed by the risk of a shower or thunderstorm later in the day.
The weekend is fabulous with sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s.
Standard-Times editor Andy Tomolonis contributed to this report.
Follow Linda Roy on Twitter @LindaRoy_SCT
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