West Nile Virus Detected in Newton Mosquitoes

NEWTON, MA – West Nile Virus has been detected in some mosquitoes in Newton, according to the Health and Human Services Department.

The department made the announcement Thursday but said that no cases of the virus infecting humans have been reported in Massachusetts so far this year.

Regardless, residents are advised to take precautions, as West Nile has been found in nearby communities as well.

"West Nile Virus mosquitoes are something we expect to see every summer and fall in this area," Health and Human Services Commissioner Deborah Youngblood said in a statement. "I urge everyone to take steps to
prevent disease by using mosquito repellent, avoiding peak mosquito times outside, and emptying
standing water around their homes."

West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by way of an infected mosquito bite. Mosquitos that carry the virus are common throughout the state and can be found in urban and rural areas.

The virus can infect people of all ages, though individuals over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe symptoms. According to the Health and Human Services Department, in the past some Newton residents have been hospitalized after contracting West Nile.

Youngblood said in the statement that most people who contract the illness experience mild flu-like symptoms or none at all, but it can cause severe disease, including high fever, headache, stiff neck and even disorientation or coma in some cases.

To combat mosquito-borne illnesses, Newton treats catch basins where mosquitoes develop and regularly trap and test mosquitoes to monitor the presence of West Nile Virus in the community. Newton also participates in the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, though there are currently no plans to spray for mosquitos in Newton.

Here's how you can protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, via the Newton Health and Human Services Department:

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. 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.

- 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-mtoluamide),
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 percen 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.

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 of your windows and doors.

Information about West Nile Virus and reports of current and historical virus activity in Massachusetts can
be found on the MDPH website.