West Nile Virus Detected in Belmont Mosquitos

BELMONT, MA – West Nile Virus has been detected in three mosquitos in Belmont, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported Thursday.

According to the DPH, West Nile is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk of exhibiting more severe symptoms.

Here's how you can protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses, via the Belmont Department of Health:

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 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 - 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. Make sure rain barrels are covered or screened. 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.