West Nile Virus Found in Sudbury

SUDBURY, MA—West Nile Virus (WNV) was found in a mosquito during routine surveillance in the southeast section of Sudbury. WNV has now been identified in 21 of the 25 towns that participate in the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, announced Sudbury's Board of Health.

There has only been one confirmed case of human West Nile Virus in Massachusetts this year. As a result, there are no increased health alerts and no scheduled truck mounted spraying. Surveillance is ongoing and any new information will be posted.

The following advisory was posted on Sudbury's official website:

The Mass. Dept. of Public Health recently reported that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been found i

Sudbury and in other nearby communities. This news should serve as a warning that mosquitoes pose a
health threat between now and early October. Although the chances of acquiring WNV are remote,
residents should be aware that this mosquito-borne virus could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis.
Early symptoms of WNV include fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle weakness.

Mosquitoes acquire WNV after biting an infected bird. Those mosquitoes can then transmit that virus to a
person or to another bird. Culex mosquitoes that develop in water holding containers are the primary
vectors of WNV.

• During risk periods of WNV, residents should take preventative actions to avoid mosquito bites.
• Be aware that mosquitoes are active in damp shady areas, during cloudy humid days, at dusk, dawn and during the night.
• To protect yourself from mosquitoes, use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing. Use repellents containing DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and follow the directions on the label. Never use DEET on infants. Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus should not be used on children under three. Although uncomfortable during hot days, long-sleeve shirts and long pants can provide a layer of protection.
• Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
• Fix any holes in screens and screen doors and replace worn weather stripping. There are certain actions that residents should take related to WNV.
• To prevent a yard from becoming a source for Culex mosquitoes, homeowners should make a thorough inspection of their property and remove, empty, cover or treat any water-holding containers. At this time of year, mosquito larvae can complete their development in water within a week.
• Containers where mosquitoes commonly lay eggs include neglected swimming pools, water in loose fitting pool covers or tarps, unscreened rain barrels, rimless tires, and plastic toys.

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