West Nile Virus Danger Degree in Boston Raised to Excessive

Boston Public Health Commission encourages residents to take precautions 

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is alerting residents that the Massachusetts Public Health Department raised the chance degree for West Nile Virus in Boston to excessive. The danger degree was raised as a result of ongoing proof of mosquito samples in Boston carrying the virus. West Nile Virus is carried by mosquitoes and could be unfold to people by the chew of an contaminated mosquito. There are presently no confirmed human instances of West Nile Virus amongst Boston residents, however BPHC strongly encourages residents to take steps to guard themselves. 

You can cut back your danger of contracting West Nile Virus through the use of the next methods to keep away from mosquito bites. 

• People age 50 and older and people who are immunocompromised ought to regulate out of doors exercise to keep away from peak mosquito hours (from nightfall to daybreak). 

• Empty out and clear chook baths, unused flowerpots, and different vessels containing standing water to stop mosquitoes from breeding recurrently. Flip over unused kiddie swimming pools and eliminate outdated tires, that are additionally identified to gather rainwater that pulls mosquitoes for breeding.    

• Clean out gutters and take away any particles or blockages recurrently. 

• Wear lengthy clothes and excessive socks to maintain mosquitoes away out of your pores and skin.    

• Use EPA-approved insect repellents like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, picaridin, or IR3535.   

• Make certain screens in home windows and doorways match correctly and do not need any holes.  

“The increased risk level for West Nile Virus in Boston is a reminder that protecting yourself and your families from mosquito bites is important,” stated Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Residents should take precautions like using mosquito repellent and avoiding outdoor activities from dusk to dawn. BPHC will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that our residents have the information that they need to remain safe.” 

Most people who find themselves contaminated with West Nile Virus don’t expertise any indicators or signs of sickness. In some instances, nonetheless, individuals will expertise a headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and physique aches which might final for just a few days or a number of weeks. In most instances, people with delicate signs get well on their very own without having medical help.    

People who’re older than 50 years of age or immunocompromised are at increased danger of growing extreme sickness because of West Nile Virus an infection and should expertise excessive fever and neurologic signs, like extreme headache, confusion, lack of coordination, and muscle paralysis or weak point. If you or somebody you realize is experiencing these signs, contact a well being care supplier instantly.  More data on WNV and different mosquito-borne sicknesses is obtainable on BPHC’s web site.