Wayland Health Director Reminds Residents of Mosquito-Borne Illness

Though fall has edged its way in, Wayland’s health director Julia Junghanns is reminding residents that there is still a risk for mosquito-borne illness.

At this time of year, peak mosquito activity usually doesn’t occur at dusk and dawn, said says. Peak activity is more likely to occur in late afternoon, as temperatures approach 60 degrees and again in the morning as temperatures rise above 60 degrees.

What you should do to avoid mosquito bites:

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours. At this time of year, peak activity is more likely to occur in late afternoon as temperatures approach 60 degrees and again in the morning as temperatures rise above 60 degrees. Also, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
• 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 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid)or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], always use any repellent by reading and following instructions on the label of whatever product you are using.
• DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentration 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 the skin.
• Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
• Protect pets and horses from mosquito bites. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to DAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.

More information on choosing and using repellents safely, and WNV is can be viewed online here and also the CDC, or National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) toll free at 1-800-858-7378 or online here.