West Nile Virus Risk Raised to Moderate in Bedford

Mosquitoes in Concord, Lexington, Lincoln and Wellesley have been found with West Nile Virus, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

In turn, the state DPH has raised the risk for WNV from low to moderate in Bedford, which means “human infection with WNV is likely,” according to the Bedford Board of Health.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. People over the age of 50 and/or those with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk of severe infection, though anyone can get WNV, said the Board of Health.

The Bedford DPW treated catch basins to reduce the presence of mosquito larvae in July. The Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will continue to use truck-mounted sprayers in Bedford and the Bedford Board of Health will work with the state and control project to monitor mosquito populations for WNV, according to the Board of Health.

Here are tips from the Bedford Board of Health to reduce the risk of WNV by:

• Draining buckets, barrels, tarps, wheelbarrows and unused tires, flowerpots and wading pools to avoid water accumulation.
• Changing the water twice each week in birdbaths and outdoor pet water dishes.
• Keeping rain gutters clean of debris.
• Checking children's outdoor toys for water accumulation.

Residents can prevent mosquito bites by:

• Installing or repairing screens on windows and doors.
• Being 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.
• Wearing appropriate clothing to 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.
• Applying insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.