Mosquitoes Collected in Town Test Positive for West Nile

The West Nile Virus has been found in a sampling of Arlington mosquitoes.

The Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health confirmed this week that the mosquito-spread illness, which can lead to a host of potential complications, was found in a collection taken from the Arlington Heights section of town.

"This is typically found every year," said Christine Connolly, the director of health and human services in Arlington, adding that though West Nile has been found every summer for the past 10 years, this is "a bit earlier than we expected.

The Massachusetts Department of Health gathered the samples on July 14, tested them and informed the town of the findings on July 16.

The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While it can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

The virus is considered a seasonal epidemic (Summer and Fall) in North America. The Department of Public Works is working closely with the Board of Health to larvacide all the catch basins in the area where mosquitoes typically breed. In addition, the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP), which provides mosquito control services to 25 surrounding communities, will be examining the wetlands in the area.

In the past, one Arlington child has become severely infected and had to be hospitalized.

"We need people to be very vigilant," Connolly said.

The Arlington Board of Health offered the following tips to avoid exposure:

• 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.

• Mosquito-proof your home.
• Drain Standing Water - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing 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 may be obtained by calling the Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).