Westwood Health Officials Issue EEE, West Nile Virus Alert

The Westwood Board of Health on Friday issued an updated alert to residents on protecting themselves against mosquitoes. 

The alert comes after multiple and West Nile Virus in surrounding communities in Norfolk county.

"The Westwood Board of Health would like to remind residents to take action now to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around the home and neighborhoods," the alert stated. "The greatest risk of contracting EEE and WNV is heightened from late July through September. Mosquitoes can carry disease until the first hard frost."

EEE is a rare disease with serious, life-threatening symptoms that include high fever, stiff neck, headache and lack of energy followed by inflammation and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). There is currently no treatment for the disease, and few people recover from the illness, with 50 percent of those who have contracting it unable to survive.

West Nile Virus, comparably, causes mild or no illness in humans. In rare cases, the virus can cause encephalitis or meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). However, less than 1 percent of people infected with WNV develop serious illness. 

To avoid mosquitoes, Westwood health officials are asking residents to please consider the following:

• Limit time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn), or, if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label.  

• Remove standing water around your home. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

The town of Westwood and the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project are planning to conduct ground spraying of the athletic fields and public spaces in town to control mosquitoes, according to Friday's alert.

The NCMCP has an active larvicide program, which includes treating catch basins.

Adult control is available by request only. Those who wish to request mosquito control should visit the NCMCP’s website at norfolkcountymosquito.org or call 781-762-3681.

For questions about mosquito control efforts, visit the Board of Health website at Townhall.Westwood.Ma.Us or call the office at (781) 320-1026.