Community Corner

Belmont Now Under Moderate Risk of West Nile Virus

Many neighboring communities are under a similar risk level.

According to the Belmont Health Department, due to multiple mosquitoes discovered with the virus and based on similarities in mosquito habitat types and historic patterns of risk, Belmont along with Arlington, Medford, Malden, Melrose, and several other towns in the Boston area are being moved to moderate threat for West Nile Virus. 

Last week, the risk in Newton, Waltham and Watertown was raised to a moderate threat.

The first several weeks of August are frequently associated with occurrence of human infection with WNV, said the Massachusetts Department of Public Health,  although the infections may not be identified until later. 

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According to a press release from Stefan Russakow, Belmont's director of health, personal protection and removing standing water are important components of WNV prevention. 

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

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As always, there are a there are a few precautions, people can do to help to protect themselves and their families:

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 

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 Outdoor

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

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. Make sure rain barrels are covered or screened. 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.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2013 can be found on the MDPH website


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