Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Health officials have determined a positive test for West Nile Virus (WNV) from a sample taken from a mosquito pool late last week in Norwood, according to a press release.

This positive reading is Norwood's first this season, although other WNV findings already have been discovered in surrounding towns. There are no reported human cases of WNV as of Aug. 2.

Officials would like to remind the public of the best ways to prevent the illnesses by following these tips:

• Schedule outdoor activity to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito repellent with DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Use repellents carefully and follow directions on the label. Do not use repellents on infants less than two months of age and only use concentrations of 30 percent DEET or less on older children.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when outdoors.
• Repair holes in your screens and be sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.
• Remove standing water from gutters, old tires, wheel barrows, wading pools, bird baths and ditches. Mosquitoes can begin to grow in standing water within four days.
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages when your baby is outdoors.
• Take special care to cover up arms and legs of children playing outside.

For more information, visit the Norwood Health Department website at norwoodma.gov.