West Nile Virus detected in Amherst
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes
Press Release 1
•
DATE: September
3, 2008; 5:00 PM
CONTACT:
Epi Bodhi, Director, Health
Department, Town of
Julie Federman, Public Health Nurse, Town of
TOWN:
PHONE: 413-259-3077
– 8:00AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)
announced today that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes
collected from
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of
an infected mosquito infected with the virus. While WNV can infect people of all ages,
people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
People have an
important role to play in monitoring for WNV and protecting themselves and
their loved ones.
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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
• 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.
• 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% 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.
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 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.
Report Dead Birds
• Dead crows or blue jays may be a sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.
The Amherst Health Department will continue to work
closely with the MDPH and other agencies.
The Amherst Health Department has Fact Sheets on West Nile Virus available
at the Health Department located on the 2nd Floor, Bangs Center, 70
Boltwood Walk, Amherst and Town Hall,
Mezzanine, 4 Boltwood Walk, Amherst.
Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in
