Jul 2, 2008 2:48 pm US/Eastern
West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester
WORCESTER (WBZ) ―
The first West Nile Virus mosquitoes of the year have been detected in Massachusetts. According to the Department of Public Health, the mosquito pool came from Worcester in late June.
Last year there were six human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts, two of which were in Worcester. The disease it transmitted to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Health officials warn that recent rains and hot, steamy weather have increased local mosquito populations.
"We want residents to take some simple steps to protect themselves this holiday weekend and throughout the summer months," said DPH State Epidemiologist, Dr. Al DeMaria.
The Department of Public Health issued the following advisory on avoiding mosquito bites:
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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
• 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), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 (as contained in Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus 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.
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 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.
Report Dead Birds
• Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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