Health & Fitness

West Nile Virus Found In Medford Mosquitoes

Health officials are advising residents to take precautions.

MEDFORD, MA – Two mosquito samples taken in Medford have tested positive for West Nile Virus. One was found in West Medford and another was taken in the southeast part of the city, according to Medford Director of Public Health MaryAnn O'Connor.

In an email, O'Connor wrote that positive samples were not surprising, as the virus was found in many communities surrounding Medford this summer.

There were six confirmed human cases of WNV last year. The virus, which is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, poses a more severe threat to people over the age of 50.

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The Medford Health Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Health officials recommend the following safety tips:

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Mosquito-Proof Your Home:

  • Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in 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.
  • Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

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 3 years old.
  • 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.
  • Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Top photo via Shutterstock


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