The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) announced the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year in a man in his 90s from Middlesex County. Because of this case and continued WNV detection in mosquitoes statewide, DPH raised WNV risk levels to moderate in 70 communities in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth and Worcester counties.
The DPH also announced the season’s first detection of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) positive mosquitoes on August 17 in Kingston. No human or animal EEE cases have been detected this year. This finding raises the EEE risk level to moderate in Carver, Halifax, Kingston and Plympton.
“West Nile Virus can be a devastating disease, especially for those who are older or have compromised immune systems. This first case in Massachusetts should remind people across the state that risk remains high,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “The end of August is frequently a time for people to enjoy being outside before the start of the school year and the arrival of fall, but I want to remind everyone of the importance of taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. While most people exposed to WNV will not develop serious illness, some may develop very severe illness requiring hospitalization. In some cases, the disease can be fatal.”
Plymouth County Mosquito Control Project accepts adult mosquito control requests from residents. Spraying occurs between 2:00 am and sunrise, Monday through Friday. Residents may call up to eight times per season for spraying, unless restrictions apply.
Plymouth County residents may request spraying via the website, phone (781-585-5450), drop-off or mail (272 South Meadow Rd, Plymouth, MA). A list of streets scheduled to be sprayed the next day is updated on the website by 3:00 pm. If you email your request, notifications will be sent before the application. Pesticides are applied using an ultra-low volume sprayer mounted on a pickup truck.
DPH advises the following:
Avoid mosquito bites: Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535). Do not use DEET on infants under 2 months old, and use concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under 3 years old.
Mosquito-proof your home: Drain standing water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Make sure your windows and doors have tightly fitting screens.
Protect your animals: Eliminate standing water from containers. Consult a veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and about vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners must report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.