WILMINGTON, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito samples from Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Falmouth, Pittsfield, Reading, Watertown.
The communities of Burlington, Canton, Dover, Lynnfield, Milton, North Reading, Norwood, Peabody, Quincy, Reading, Salem, Wakefield, Westwood, and Wilmington are now considered to be at moderate risk for West Nile virus.
The forecasted conditions (rain and continued warmth) are appropriate for further spread of WNV across this focal area. August and early September is the peak period for WNV human transmission, residents should be urged to avoid mosquito bites regardless of where they live.
Tips To Avoid Mosquito Bites:
Applying Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Repellents with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 are effective. Be sure to use these according to the instructions on the product label and note precautions for use on infants and children.
Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Draining standing water where Mosquitoes lay their eggs. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, store wheelbarrows upside down, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
Installing or repairing screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Protecting your animals. Flush water troughs at least once a week and keep horses in indoor stalls at night with lights off to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes.
(NOTE: The above press release is from the Wilmington Board of Health.)
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