HomeMy Public PortalAboutWest Nile Virus Newsflash 09-21-2018TOWN OF WATERTOWN
Board of Health
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617 972.6446
Fax: 617 972.6499
www.watertown-ma.gov
September 21, 2018
For Immediate Release
The Watertown Health Department was notified by the Department of Public Health (DPH) of a
human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a Watertown Resident. While the days are getting
shorter and temperatures dropping the risk to acquire WNV continues until the first deep frost
sets in. The Watertown Health Department urges residents to continue to take steps to avoid
mosquito bites by using repellents, limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours (dusk till
dawn), and keep skin covered.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of a EPA -registered
insect repellent that contains at least 20% DEET (Cutter Backwoods and Off! DeepWoods).
Other repellents protect against mosquitos but may not be as effective. Picaridin (KBR 3023,
Bayrepel, and icaridin), Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol), IR3535.
Always use any product 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% 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
mosquitos. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long -sleeves, long pants, and socks when
outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin.
Mosquito -Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places
around your home for mosquitos 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 the
water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitos 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 mosquitos near paddock areas. Horse
owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos.
Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in
animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or
EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795
and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus
Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito