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8/28/08 - Information on West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Prevention of Mosquito Bites

Recent reports of isolations of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Lexington should serve as a warning that mosquitoes pose a health threat between now and early October. Residents should be aware that this mosquito-borne virus, along with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis. Early symptoms of these diseases include high fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle weakness.

Mosquitoes acquire EEE or WNV after biting an infected bird. Those mosquitoes can then transmit that virus to a person, horse or to another bird. Culex mosquitoes that breed in water holding containers are the primary vectors of WNV, while the mosquitoes that transmit EEE usually originate in wetland areas.

To assist in the surveillance of these diseases, dead birds should be reported immediately to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health public information line at 1-866-627-7968.

The following are actions that residents should take around their homes to reduce mosquito populations:

• To prevent a yard from becoming a source for Culex mosquitoes, homeowners should make a thorough inspection of their property and remove, empty, cover or treat any water-holding containers. Egg-laying Culex mosquitoes look for water in containers that has been exposed to organic debris such as fallen leaves or wind blown pollen. Once a water-holding container accumulates organic debris, the container, if left undisturbed, can produce a constant supply of Culex mosquitoes throughout the summer. During warm summer temperatures, mosquito larvae can complete their development within a week.

• Containers that typically breed mosquitoes include rimless tires, infrequently used wading pools, water in loose fitting pool covers or in tarps, boats, barrels, buckets, plastic toys, vases and wheelbarrows.

• Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside.

• Potential water-holding containers such as rubbish barrels, buckets, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down.

• The water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed once a week.

• Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained.

• Barrels used by gardeners to collect rainwater should be emptied once a week or treated with products containing Bti or methoprene.

The Board of Health encourages residents to take preventative actions to avoid mosquito bites. To protect yourself from mosquitoes:

• Be aware that mosquitoes are active in damp shady areas, during cloudy humid days, at dusk, dawn and during the night.

• If you must be outdoors when the mosquitoes are active, when practical wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.

• Use mosquito repellents that contain DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow the directions on the label. Never use DEET on infants. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three.

• Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.

• Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all your doors and windows.

• The risk of EEE or WNV can occur even when mosquito populations are low. The need to protect yourself from mosquitoes should be based on advisories from public health officials and on news of local isolations of EEE or WNV and not because of the frequency of mosquito bites.

• Please support Burlington’s mosquito control program!

For further information on EEE or WNV, log unto the Massachusetts Department of Public Health web site at www.mass.gov/dph or the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid. If residents have any questions about mosquitoes or how to control them, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730 or www.town.sudbury.ma.us/services/health/emmcp or the Burlington Board of Health at 781-270-1955.

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Board of Health contact:

781-270-1955

Nurses contact:

781-270-1957

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