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Reminder to residents: West Nile Disease prevention measures |
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In the nine years since West Nile Disease was first identified in the United States, this disease has become endemic in practically all states, including Massachusetts. Fortunately, most individuals who become infected with West Nile Virus Disease show no symptoms or develop only a mild illness. However, individuals over age 50 are at a greater risk of developing serious illness when they get infected. Since no vaccine has yet been developed to prevent illness once individuals become infected, the only way to prevent illness is to prevent the transmission of the virus that is the causative agent.
The West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted to individuals through the bite of mosquitoes. The species of mosquito that carry West Nile Virus are active in New England from mid-June through the first frost, with peak activity from the middle of July to the end of the season. These species tend to breed in urban and suburban areas in stagnant water, with standing water on residential property and in storm drains/catch basins being examples of common breeding locations. The current Massachusetts Department of Public Health Protocol does not recommend routine application of pesticides to storm drains and catch basins; boards of health do have discretion, however, to order such applications based on evidence of increased risk to public health.
As we begin the peak of the mosquito breeding season, the Longmeadow Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health recommend that all local residents employ the following preventive measures to reduce the risk for being bitten by mosquitoes:
1. Personal protection measures to prevent mosquito bites:
Avoid exposure out of doors between dusk in the evening and sunrise in the morning, the hours of peak mosquito activity
Cover-up individuals are encouraged to wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and socks especially during the peak hours of mosquito activity
Use insect repellents according to manufacturers' directions. Mosquito repellents containing the active ingredient DEET may be applied to exposed skin. Adults should not use products with a DEET concentration exceeding 30 to 35 percent; products with a maximum concentration of DEET of 10 to 15 percent should be selected for use on infants and young children. Additionally, repellents should not be applied to the hands of children and babies as the product may be spread on their hands on to their eyes and into their mouths. Permethrin repellent products are also recommended, but should only be applied to clothing (i.e. not directly onto the skin).
2. Environmental control measures in and around your home:
Install screens and repair defective screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home
Prevent standing water on your property remove water from empty flower pots and barrels; maintain home rain gutters free of debris; remove or cover stored tires; change water in bird baths and backyard kiddy pools at least once a week; and keep swimming pool filtration systems running continuously.
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