City of Framingham Announces West Nile Virus Found in Boston, Brookline & Newton

The following is a press release from Mayor Spicer’s administration.

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Framingham, MA – The City was informed this afternoon that positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito
samples have been identified in Newton, Brookline, and Boston. By taking a few, common-sense
precautions, people can help to protect themselves and loved ones.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes.
Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.

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.

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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 – Many mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around
your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain
gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths often.
Install/Repair Screens – Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly-fitting screens on windows and doors.

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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 summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep
horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak
with their veterinarians about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations.
Please click on this link to access risk maps updated with today’s positive results:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.