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NEW BEDFORD – While the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) outbreak is making headlines in recent weeks, state health officials have now detected West Nile virus in New Bedford .
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) briefed the New Bedford Health Department on the discovery of West Nile virus in a sample of mosquito-prone mosquitoes collected near Oak Grove Cemetery. The mosquito belongs to the species complex Culex pipiens / restuans and bites mainly for birds.
The Massachusetts Department of Health and the Department of Agricultural Resources announced Tuesday afternoon plans to conduct a second round of aerial spraying in parts of Bristol and Plymouth counties scheduled for the night Wednesday.
The City said the twilight closures of public properties would continue. Municipal authorities have recently begun to close parks and other public spaces open at dusk in response to the EEE threat.
Numerous positive mosquito tests with EEEs in New Bedford and surrounding municipalities have led the state's public health department to rank Greater New Bedford's risk level as "critical" for EEE.
Closures will continue until Friday, September 13; park lights will be out at dusk or around 7:30 pm Park closures will be re-evaluated and the City will announce plans starting September 13th. Sports leagues and other organizations using the park should not continue their activities beyond dusk, due to the increased risk of EEE.
Ground spraying will also continue throughout New Bedford. Spraying will continue throughout the summer, early Friday and Tuesday morning.
Friday's spray sessions will target areas such as Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, Poor Farm area, Custom House Square and the downtown area.
Tuesday's watering will target the far north of the city, including the areas surrounding the New Bedford Business Park, the New Bedford Regional Airport, the Sassaquin Pond and the L & # 39; 39 Acushnet Avenue north of Phillips Avenue. Ground spraying takes place between 2 am and sunrise on Friday and Tuesday morning, weather permitting.
Residents near the targeted areas may wish to close their windows tonight before spraying.
The city lists the following tips to prevent EEE infection and West Nile virus:
-Precautionary measures
-The same precautionary measures are recommended for the EEA, West Nile virus and Zika virus. These include the following:
Avoid mosquito bites
– Be aware of mosquito rush hours – Although mosquitoes are out at any time of the day, their peak rush hours are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that take place in the evening or early in the morning. Otherwise, be sure to use protective clothing and repellents, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.
-Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it can be hard to do on hot days, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks on the outside will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
-Apply an insect repellent when you go out. Use 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 of 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. 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.
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 removing objects containing water. Check the gutters and drains. Empty unused flower pots and wading pools and frequently change the water of the bird baths.
Screens for Installation or Repair – Some mosquitoes like to get inside. Keep them outside by installing tightly fitting mosquito nets on all your doors and windows.
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