Mosquitoes in Arlington Have Tested Positive for West Nile Virus

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Thursday that West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples taken in Arlington and Lexington.

Though there have been no human cases of West Nile virus infection reported in Massachusetts this year, the risk level for human infection in town remains moderate as the virus circulates among local mosquito populations.

In addition, the consistently high temperatures in this region over the past two weeks have created an environment that is historically associated with higher human illness rates. The Arlington Health Department strongly urges residents to take actions now to prevent mosquito breeding and avoid mosquito bites:

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 discarding 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. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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.
• 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.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. There were six (6) human cases of WNV in 2014.

For more information about West Nile Virus: http://1.usa.gov/1hgJ5Fl

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. The Town of Arlington works to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by treating all storm water catch basins in town, treating wetland areas and working with property owners to remove large sources of standing water such as abandoned swimming pools.