ICYMI: Mosquito in Waltham Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

WALTHAM, MA – The Waltham Health Department announced today that a mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus on July 26.

According to the health department, this occurs around this time every year. However, there are still measures for residents to take to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer.

Here's a look at precautions residents can take, via the Waltham Health Department website:

• Apply insect repellant when outdoors - Repellant with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 is recommended.

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours - From dusk to dawn are peak biting times for most mosquitos. The city advises rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.
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• Clothing - Long sleeves, long pants and socks can help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

• Protecting children from mosquito bites

• Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
• Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than two months old.
• DEET repellents should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children.
• Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
• Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.

• At home, drain standing water, as it's a breeding ground for mosquito larvae. Check rain gutters and drains, empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently. Mosquitos can also be kept from inside the house by installing or repairing screens.

• For animals - Reduce potential mosquito breeding sites by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months and horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce the risk of exposure to bites. Talk to your veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile Virus and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

Additionally, the CDC has details for controlling mosquitoes at home in areas with diseases spread by mosquitos.

This story was originally published on July 28.