West Nile Warning: Infected Mosquitoes Found Near MetroWest

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus are very likely headed this way.

On Thursday afternoon, Framingham officials issued an alert to local residents after mosquitoes infected with West Nile were discovered in Newton, Brookline, and Boston. The risk of contracting the virus was still "low" as of Thursday, according to maps published by the state Department of Public Health.

So far this summer, 13 mosquito samples across the state have tested positive for West Nile.

Although most people infected with West Nile won't get sick, about 20 percent of people will develop symptoms like fever, rash, headache, and swollen lymph glands. About 1 percent of people infected can develop a form of encephalitis.

Here's what Framingham health officials recommend you should do to stay healthy:

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.

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 percent 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.

Drain Standing Water: Many mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths often.

Install/Repair Screens: Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly-fitting screens on windows and doors.