West Nile Found in Grafton Mosquitoes

GRAFTON, MA—The Central MA Regional Public Health Alliance announced on Monday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitos in Grafton for the first time this year.

The WNV infection was confirmed by the State Public Health Laboratory Friday in a mosquito sample that was collected on Aug. 10 in the north of town, said the announcement. No human or animal cases of WNV or Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been detected so far this year.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2015, there were 10 human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts and 160 positive mosquito samples. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms.

When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Here are some tips, shared with Grafton's Board of Health:

• Avoid Mosquito Bites
• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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.
• 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.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your 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 discarding 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. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.