Full Notification

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State Reclamation & Mosquito Control Board
CENTRAL MASS. MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT
111 Otis Street Northborough, MA 01532
www.cmmcp.org




Richard J. Day
CMMCP Commission Chair

Timothy D. Deschamps
CMMCP Executive Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
August 3, 2011 Timothy D. Deschamps
(508) 393-3055


Mosquito Collection in Acton Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

The Mass. Dept. of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed today that a sample of mosquitoes collected from a CMMCP surveillance site on July 28 an area southeast of the center town has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project will place additional surveillance traps in the area the virus was found. Catch basins in that area will be treated today to reduce the larval population of Culex species.

“This confirmation reminds us that the virus is present in the environment, and we must do everything possible to avoid mosquito bites” said CMMCP Executive Director, Timothy Deschamps. “You can help reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood by emptying any containers that collects water. Please use repellents according to label directions if you are outside in areas of high numbers of mosquitoes”.

Personal protection measures have an important role to play in monitoring for WNV and protecting yourself and your 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), 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.

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.

More information is available at: 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 DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

For more information please call CMMCP at (508) 393-3055 or log on to our website at www.cmmcp.org.

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