West Nile Virus Found In Framingham Mosquitoes

FRAMINGHAM, MA — West Nile virus was confirmed in mosquitoes from Framingham. The Massachusetts Public Health Department announced on Thursday that mosquitoes collected from the city tested positive for the virus. This is the first positive detection of the virus in the city this year.

Last year almost six thousand mosquito samples were tested for West Nile Virus in the state, and 579 samples were positive. In 2018, Framingham had seven West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples identified.

Framingham officials said for this round, 22 traps were tested. Each trap can contain tens to hundreds of dead mosquitoes — of those traps tested, four contained dead mosquitos with West Nile Virus. It is unclear exactly how many mosquitoes tested positive for the virus.

The virus spreads through mosquito bites and can affect people of all ages, though people over 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. Framingham officials said no one in the city has been diagnosed with the virus. Symptoms and signs of West Nile virus include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash, and swollen lymph nodes.

The city offered some tips to stay safe and mosquito free for the rest of the summer:

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. If you are outdoors at any time, and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• 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. 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 the skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of 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 - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Framingham belongs to the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP). EMMCP has completed applying larvicide to all catch basins in Framingham, and continues to do the same in wetlands.