Summer traditon returns to region: West Nile Virus

July 27, 2018 | Jordan Houston
jordan@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Nile Virus has come to West Side. However, there is no reason to panic, according to West Springfield Public Health Director Jeanne Galloway.

On July 18, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health collected two samples of mosquitos from the southeast corner of town. The samples, which consisted of the Culex pipiens and restuans Complex species, recently tested positive for West Nile. The virus has also been found in Amherst, Northampton, Springfield and Pittsfield.

The West Nile Virus is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illnesses ranging from a mild fever to more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. It was first identified in the United States in 1999, according to Mass.gov.

The majority of people infected will show no symptoms, while a smaller number (around 20 percent) will experience fevers, headaches, body aches, nausea, and vomiting.

There is no treatment for WNV infections – only severe infections require hospitalization.

Although West Nile has been present in West Springfield before, Galloway told Reminder Publications there is no reason to sound the alarm.

“At this point in the game, West Nile has been in Massachusetts since 2000. We should be aware it’s here and take precautions every year – but, people tend to forget over the winter and need to be reminded,” she said.

In light of the situation, Galloway has these tips to offer:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply insect repellent 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 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

• 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.

• Wear protective clothing. Long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently (every 2-3 days).

• Install or repair window and door screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

• Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes.

• Owners should speak with their veterinarians about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals, as well as vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources(DAR), Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Mass Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

Galloway added that people who a lot of time outside should be extra cautious.

“It affects different people differently, so it’s important for everyone to take precautions. If you’re the type of person who spends more time outside where mosquitoes are – either by avocation or vocation – you should take more precautions than the average person,” she said. “We’re not at a level where there should be any panic or behavior changes, unless your behavior is to not give a hoot – then we want you to change.”

For more information about the region’s 2018 West Nile positive results, head over to at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or call the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

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