Mosquito-borne Diseases
/West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes in Middlesex County
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced yesterday the second human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. The person is a male in his 70s who was exposed in Middlesex County in an area known to be at moderate risk. The person was not exposed in Hudson, and as of this release, Hudson remains in the low risk category for both WNV and EEE. However, surrounding cities and towns have recently had WNV-positive mosquitoes and are categorized at moderate risk. The Hudson Health Department is taking a proactive approach by notifying and educating the public early, and we ask you to join us in taking precautions.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
· Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. 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.
· 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.
· Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
· Drain Standing Water – Many 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 your windows and doors.
The Hudson Health Department works closely with MDPH and the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project. Together, we will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep the community informed.
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito
The Hudson Health Department has free bug spray wipes available to the community while supplies last. Visit our office at Town Hall at 78 Main Street during normal business hours.