Above: An update on the Mosquito-borne illness risk and safety measures for our town and region. (images edited from state website and SFD post)
Last week, the Southborough Health Department issued a warning about mosquitos tested positive for West Nile Virus in Southborough.
At the time of the alert on Wednesday, the risk for contracting the arbovirus was considered low. The following day, the state reassessed the Town’s risk rating. It’s now “moderate”. That risk level also extends to all of the towns surrounding us.
The virus was detected in samples collected on August 1st and 6th.1 blah
According to the state’s website, the virus can “cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.” 80% of those infected won’t have symptoms and only 1% suffer “severe illness”. 20% can develop unpleasant symptoms including fever and vomiting. You can find those details here.
So far, only one infected animal has been detected in the state. No cases of infected humans have been identified yet.
Still, to reduce risk, residents should take care to remove sources of “standing water” in their yards where mosquitos can breed. Most residents are also encouraged to protect themselves with repellent spray. (See flyer right from Southborough Fire Dept Facebook post.)
To protect babies/infants — the the state’s website recommends using mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens (since repellent shouldn’t be applied to them).
According to the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project website, the agency has already done some spraying in town and has more scheduled for this week. (Details of exactly where aren’t posted.)
- If you have a “currently observed mosquito problem or need”, you can learn how to request spray service here.
- If you’re more concerned about avoiding your yard being sprayed with pesticides, learn about requesting an exclusion here.
Additional info and advice about West Nile Virus and reducing risk is detailed in the town’s (now, slightly out of date) alert from August 6th:
it is important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
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 of severe infection.
By taking a few common precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones: 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% 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 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. When risk is increased, 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 your windows and doors.
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.
For additional information, please contact the Southborough Health Department at: 508-481-3013.
Below are images I edited from the state’s website with maps updated as of August 8th. They show that while a significant number of towns in our region have moderate risk, none have been elevated to “high” risk. And the risk for contracting EEE remains “low” in our region. (You have to travel as far as Easton or Ware to reach a “Moderate” risk for that virus.)
