Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Detected in Natick

[broadstreet zone=”58610″]

NATICK – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced yesterday, August 24, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Natick.

In 2021, 8,552 mosquito samples were tested for West Nile Virus and 144 samples were positive.

Natick had no West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples identified in 2021.

West Nile Virus 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.

[broadstreet zone=”58892″]

While West Nile Virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few, common sense 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 is hot, wearing longsleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

[broadstreet zone=”59983″]

• 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.

The Town of Natick has coordinated with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to spray a designated area of concern on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 after sunset up until midnight.

[broadstreet zone=”53130″]

[broadstreet zone=”59947″]