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A mosquito found in Westford has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will spray the roadways in the area of closest proximity to where the positive mosquito pool was found. This includes: Blakes Hill Rd., Boston Rd, Castle Rd, Court Rd., Crown Rd., Drew Crossing, Kings Pine Rd., Mamie Ln., Rome Dr.
Spraying will occur after sunset on Tuesday August 23, 2011. Residents are requested to close windows during the spraying. To get information on how to opt out of this service or information on precautions you should take while spraying, log into the Health Department website.
Dear Resident,
On 08/17/2011, the MA Department of Public Health (MDPH) advised us that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Westford. Please see the below for information on the disease and measures residents should regularly follow to avoid mosquito- borne illnesses.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
Thank you,
Sandy Collins, R.N.
Director of Health Care Services
Director of Upper Merrimack Valley MRC
55 Main Street
Westford MA 01886
Tel: 978-399-2908
Fax: 978-399-2565
Westford Health Department Issues Alert on West Nile Virus
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) informed the Health Department on 8/17 that a mosquito collected from Westford, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito was found as part of the arbovirus surveillance program offered through the MDPH and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP), which monitors WNV activity.
The mosquitoes that carry the virus, the Culex species is common throughout the state.
The West Nile Virus grows in birds and is transmitted from bird to bird and from birds to humans by mosquitoes. Horses bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV can also become sick
WNV is spread only by adult mosquitoes that are infected with the virus. The risk of getting the disease is greatest from July through September but remains through October or until the first frost.
Less than 1% of people who are infected by the virus become seriously ill with complications such as WNV encephalitis or meningitis. Those most vulnerable to serious complications include those over 50, the very young, and those who are immune-compromised. Most people will not exhibit any symptoms. A small percentage develop fevers, headache and body aches, often with a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. Many infected persons do not seek treatment because the symptoms are flu- like and mild. There is no vaccine or treatment for the WNV infection but the symptoms of WNV encephalitis can be treated.
The Health Department urges residents to always protect themselves and pets against mosquito bites by taking the following precautions.
Avoid 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 from your skin.
- 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 has also demonstrated efficacy against mosquito bites, with protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET, but 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.
- Apply only as much repellent as needed. Choose a product that will provide sufficient protection for the amount of time that you will be spending outdoors. Saturation does not increase repellent efficacy. Product labels often indicate the length of time that you can expect protection from a product. Keep repellents away from eyes, nostrils and lips. Do not inhale or ingest repellents or get them into the eyes. Avoid applying repellents to portions of children's hands that are likely to have contact with eyes or mouth. Never use repellents on wounds or irritated skin. Wash repellent-treated skin after coming indoors.
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 including trash cans and recycle bins. Poke holes in tire swings so water drains out. Turn over wheelbarrows. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths and dog bowls frequently. Aerate ornamental ponds and stock them with fish. Check rain gutters and drains. Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
- Install or Repair Screens - Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
For additional information, call the MDPH recorded information line at 1-866- MASS –WNV or www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. For information on mosquito spraying or testing in our area, contact the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project @ 508-393-3055 between 7AM –3:30 PM Monday-Friday or log on to www.cmmcp.org.
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