NORTH READING — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MassDPH) announced on August 7 that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from North Reading.
As a result, North Reading’s risk level has been upgraded from low to moderate. Numerous other communities throughout the state, especially in Middlesex County, have also had WNV detected in mosquito samples.
Targeted truck-mounted spraying by the East Middlesex Control Project took place on Monday night in many neighborhoods throughout town. This is an ongoing seasonal program undertaken by the town to help control the mosquito population.
According to the North Reading Health Department, 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 for severe infection.
By taking a few common sense precautions, residents can reduce the chance of infection by mosquito-borne illnesses and protect themselves and their families:
MOSQUITO PREVENTION
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. 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. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from 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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
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. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
The North Reading Health Department will continue to work closely with the Mass DPH and other agencies to keep the public updated.
Residents with questions about mosquitoes or how to control them can contact either Robert F. Bracey, Director of Public Health at the town of North Reading Health Department, 978-357-5242 or visit the Town Health Department website at www.northreadingma.gov/health-department or the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-893-5759 or at the Project website at https://sudbury.ma.us/emmcp/
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.