Metropolis of Somerville Advisory: First Human Case of West Nile Virus Confirmed in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the primary constructive human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) confirmed within the state this 12 months in a lady in her 70s who was uncovered in Middlesex County. Today, Somerville had their threat stage elevated to excessive threat for West Nile Virus. Residents ought to proceed to take precautions to guard themselves towards mosquito bites and mosquito-borne ailments, together with WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). 

“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease and its presence in mosquitoes remains high right now in Massachusetts,” mentioned Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “While September brings cooler air and the return to school for many in the state, the risk from WNV is going to be elevated for some time. Residents should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.” 

While WNV and EEE can infect folks of all ages, folks over 50 are at greater threat for extreme WNV, and folks underneath 15 are notably susceptible to EEE. WNV and EEE signs have a tendency to incorporate fever and flu-like sickness. To get actual time data on threat ranges, examine DPH’s risk level map. 

DPH recommends the next precautions: 
 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply insect repellent while you go open air. 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)] in keeping with the directions on the product label. DEET merchandise shouldn’t be used on infants underneath 2 months outdated and must be utilized in concentrations of 30% or much less on older kids. Oil of lemon eucalyptus shouldn’t be used on kids underneath 3 years outdated. Permethrin merchandise are meant to be used on objects similar to clothes, sneakers, mattress nets, and tenting gear and shouldn’t be utilized to the pores and skin.   

• Clothing may help scale back mosquito bites. Although it could be tough to do when it’s scorching, sporting lengthy sleeves, lengthy pants, and socks open air will assist preserve mosquitoes away out of your pores and skin.  

• Be conscious of peak mosquito hours. The hours from nightfall to daybreak are peak biting occasions for a lot of mosquitoes. When threat will increase, take into account rescheduling out of doors actions that happen through the night or early morning. If you’re open air and see mosquitoes round you, take steps to keep away from being bitten by transferring indoors, masking up, and/or sporting repellant.  

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the variety of locations round your property for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding objects holding water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading swimming pools, and regularly change the water in birdbaths.  

• Install or restore screens. Keep mosquitoes outdoors by having tightly-fitting screens in your home windows and doorways.  

Protect Your Animals

• Owners also needs to converse with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents authorized for animal use and vaccinations to forestall WNV and EEE, if relevant.   

• If an animal is suspected of getting WNV or EEE, homeowners are required to report back to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.  

For extra data, go to mass.gov/dph/mosquito or name the Massachusetts DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.