Avoid The Bite! Mosquito Prevention Tips From Lexington Health Officials

Press release from the Town of Lexington:

July 14, 2020

Mosquitoes can spread diseases that make you sick. In Massachusetts, mosquitoes can give you eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus or West Nile virus (WNV).

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths. There were also nine cases in domestic animals.

Lexington remains in the "remote" (lowest) risk category. The State has an interactive map to monitor the risk levels in communities across Massachusetts.

Preventing Mosquito Bites

There are simple steps you can take to prevent mosquito bites and avoid EEE and WNV.

• Use insect repellents any time you are outdoors
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn during peak mosquito season
• Repair damaged window and door screens
• Remove standing water from the areas around your home

This press release was produced by the Town of Lexington. The views expressed here are the author’s own.