West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Reading

West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Reading.

The virus was found in a mosquito pool sample taken from the southeast quadrant of the town, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas.

Although WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

The Reading Health Department and the state DPH are urging people to take the following common sense precautions to help protect themselves from infection:

-Avoid mosquito bites

-Be aware of peak mosquito hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.

-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-mtoluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.

-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.

-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.

For more information, call Reading’s health department at (781) 942-9061.

Locally, Reading is conducting spraying in order to control the mosquito population.

Spraying is done by the East Middlesex & Suffolk County Mosquito Control Projects. Further information about West Nile Virus can be found at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.