MELROSE — — Mosquitoes caught in the city have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Department of Public Health.
This was a release sent to our sister publication, the Wakefield Daily Item, over the weekend.
“Positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito samples have been confirmed in Middlesex County, including (Melrose) and nearby communities like (Wakefield) and Stoneham. The Department of Public Health has given a moderate WNV risk level to all three communities. There have been no human cases of WNV in Massachusetts to date.
Due to the excessive heat and rainy weather, mosquito populations will likely increase into September and beyond. To avoid West Nile Virus, people should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Most people who contract WNV do not develop any symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 infected people develop a high fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. The majority of people with WNV who develop a febrile illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Approximately 1 in 150 people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis. Of those who experience severe illness, a small number may die or develop permanent side effects. People over age 60 or those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of developing a severe illness from WNV.
The Health and Human Services Department asks residents to take steps to avoid mosquito bites. While WNV can cause serious illness, there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones:
• Use an insect repellant with an EPA-registered ingredient like DEET, picardin, or permethrin. Carefully follow instructions on the label, especially when using on children.
• When outdoors, wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and socks to keep mosquitos away from your skin.
• Avoid scheduling outdoor events between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
• Repair any holes in your door and window screens and make sure they are tightly attached to prevent mosquitos from coming into the house.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home, including plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows. Mosquitos can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than 4 days.
• Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
• Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. Remove water collected in pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
If you have questions, contact Melrose’s Health and Human Services Department at 781-979-4130.