PRESS RELEASE: WEST NILE VIRUS
PUBLIC INFORMATION
PRESS RELEASE: WEST NILE VIRUS
August 13, 2019
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported to the Raynham Health Department today that one (1) positive sample for West Nile Virus (WNV) has been identified from mosquitoes in Raynham. The sample was collected from mosquito traps in the southwest quadrant of town on August 6, 2019. The mosquito species that contained the WNV was Culiseta melanura. It was also reported that there were an additional 6 positive mosquito samples for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) found in the Raynham trap between August 5 and August 6.
West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with West Nile won’t have any symptoms and will recover on their own. Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare, but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquito activity and EEE / WNV positive findings are likely to increase due to high levels of precipitation and continued above average temperatures.
It is important to always use precautions to avoid mosquito bites including the following:
Apply insect repellent and wear long pants and sleeves 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. Clothing can also help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes off your skin.
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.
Mosquito-proof your home by draining standing water and installing or repairing screens. Homeowners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by draining standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and flowerpots, rain gutters and drains, especially after heavy rains. Prevent mosquitoes from entering the home by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
This is a message from the Raynham Health Department. For more information, please visit https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases or call the Raynham Board of Health office.
Matthew Tanis
Health Agent
Town of Raynham