The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in a mosquito sample collected in Concord. WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk of severe infection.
By taking a few commonsense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- 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.
- Clothing Can Help, for example, wearing long sleeves and pants can reduce mosquito bites.
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Drain Standing Water - Many 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.
- Install or Repair Screens - Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
The Concord Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies. Please refer to the Health Division for more information on mosquito-borne illnesses and what you can do to protect yourself at www.concordma.gov/3587/Mosquito-Information.
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.