Freetown added to list of locations to detect West Nile Virus, MA risk level raised

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in 3 mosquitoes collected from Freetown, Massachusetts.

Freetown is one of the latest locations in the area to detect the virus along with Dighton, Easton, Fairhaven and Attleboro. According to their data, Fall River had two positive tests on August 9th with Dartmouth having one positive test on August 8th. New Bedford had four positive tests on August 8th with Seekonk having two on August 9th.

Today the Massachusetts Department of Public Health also raised the statewide risk level for West Nile virus from low to moderate.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites
•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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

•Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

•Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
•Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water.
Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.~

•Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.