West Nile Found in Shrewsbury

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the Shrewsbury.

Routine samples are collected during the summer months in order for public health officials to monitor WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project will conduct spraying on the evening of Tuesday, July 31 to reduce populations of mosquitoes. Areas to be sprayed after 8:30 p.m. will include Boston Turnpike to the south, Oak Street to the west and South Quinsigamond to the east. A map and street listing will be available on the CMMCP website at www.cmmcp.org/ulv.htm after 3:30 p.m. July 31. In the case of rain, spraying will be conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 1.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus.  While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

“The detection of the WNV in one of the sampled mosquitoes should not trigger a sense of panic in the community,” stated Derek Brindisi, Director of Public Health, Town of Shrewsbury. “The confirmation presents the Board of Health the opportunity to remind community members that by taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones against WNV.”

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. 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 WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.