Politics & Government
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Belmont
Last year, there were 33 cases of West Nile virus and one reported death in Massachusetts.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced today, Thursday, July 18, that the West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito recently collected from Belmont, according to the Belmont Health Department.
The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitos infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
There were 33 cases of West Nile virus and one reported death in Massachusetts last year, the highest in the state’s history.
About 20 percent of individuals bitten by a West Nile-infected mosquito experience symptoms, according to the CDC: usually a fever and flu-like symptoms, including vomiting or diarrhea. People should see a doctor if symptoms appear between 3 and 14 days after a bite.
As always, there are a few precautions people can do to help to protect themselves and theirAvoid 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.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide), 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 percent 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 at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv
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