Get the bug spray out.
Massachusetts well being officers on Wednesday reported that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes for the primary time this summer season.
The virus was confirmed by the Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory in a mosquito pattern collected in Easton in Bristol County.
No human or animal instances of West Nile virus or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) have been detected to this point this yr. There is not any elevated danger stage or risk-level change following this virus detection.
“West Nile virus is part of summer in Massachusetts, and we expect to see infected mosquitoes at this time of year,” stated Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Now is the time to start taking steps to avoid mosquito bites. While WNV can cause serious illness, there are things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
West Nile virus is often transmitted to people by the chew of an contaminated mosquito. There have been 11 human instances within the state final yr.
While the virus can infect folks of all ages, folks over the age of fifty are at increased danger for extreme illness. Most folks contaminated with the virus may have no signs. When current, West Nile virus signs have a tendency to incorporate fever and flu-like sickness. In uncommon instances, extra extreme sickness can happen.
“Simple actions can help protect you from mosquito bites and the diseases they can cause,” stated State Epidemiologist Catherine Brown. “Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, put on clothes to scale back uncovered pores and skin, drain standing water and restore window screens.
“We also encourage you to make it a habit to check the mosquito-borne disease webpages on mass.gov so you know when and where WNV activity is occurring,” Brown added.
In addition to utilizing bug spray, officers stated folks ought to concentrate on peak mosquito hours from nightfall to daybreak. Consider rescheduling out of doors actions that happen throughout night or early morning in areas of excessive danger, the officers added.
Also, carrying long-sleeves, lengthy pants and socks when outside will assist maintain mosquitoes away out of your pores and skin.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”