Re: Massachusetts: West Nile 2010
September 09, 2010 - For immediate release:
State Health Officials Announce Two New Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
Residents urged to remain vigilant against mosquito bites
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BOSTON ? The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today confirmed two human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV). The first patient, an elderly female resident of Worcester County, developed symptoms on August 19 and was hospitalized. She has since been released from the hospital. The second patient, a female resident of Middlesex County between the ages of 45-64, remains hospitalized but is improving.
While Labor Day weekend tends to mark the unofficial end of summer, it's important to note that mosquitoes can continue to become infected with WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus until the first hard frost of autumn.
Based on recent mosquito testing results, residents across the state face an increased risk of exposure to WNV. Ninety (90) mosquito pools have tested positive for WNV in Massachusetts this year, and aerial spraying for mosquitoes was conducted in Southeastern Massachusetts in August. Standing water from last week's rains followed by the hot, relatively dry weather created favorable conditions for mosquitoes that carry the virus. Recent rains will also favor mosquitoes that are capable of carrying both WNV and EEE virus.
"Efforts to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness continue across the state," said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria. "Even so, we all need to continue to take simple, common-sense steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites."
WNV and EEE can affect people of all ages. While EEE is almost always a severe, life-threatening disease, WNV infection can also cause the same severe disease in some who are infected.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
?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.
?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% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
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.
More information is available on the DPH website:
www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
More information and all positive results from 2010 can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at
www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.
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http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2p...release&f=100909_human_cases_wnv&csid=Eeohhs2
