Jul 17, 2008 12:37 pm US/Eastern
West Nile Virus Found In Millbury Mosquitoes
MILLBURY (WBZ) ―
The West Nile Virus has been found in a mosquito pool in Millbury. According to the Department of Public Health, the mosquitoes with the West Nile virus were collected earlier this month.
Town officials are not planning to spray at this point. Health officials in Millbury said the mosquitoes caught in catch basins have already been treated to reduce mosquito larva.
In the past three weeks, mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus have been found in Brookline and Worcester.
So far, there have been no cases of humans infected by the virus this year. The heath department is urging people to use bug spray when going outside to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
Last summer there were six reported human cases of the West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.
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.
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