~ Submitted by the Bedford Health Department
On August 25, 2022, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced the first human case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state of Massachusetts this year. The individual is a female in her 70s who was exposed to the virus in Suffolk County. On August 25, 2022, Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke stated “August and September are the months when most cases of West Nile virus occur. Although the significant drought conditions that exist across the Commonwealth have kept the populations of the Culex mosquito species that are most likely to spread WNV relatively small, today’s news is an important reminder that we all need to take steps to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites.”
On August 25, 2022, WNV risk levels were increased to Moderate for Lexington, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, Weston, Winchester, and Woburn due to the sustained and increasing WNV activity in the area. The risk of WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Bedford remains LOW, as no positive mosquito samples have been identified in town.
Culex mosquitoes are the primary vectors of WNV. The virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of fifty (50) are at higher risk for severe infection. The mosquitoes that carry WNV are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While most mosquito species develop in wetlands, Culex mosquitoes prefer to lay their eggs in catchbasins, clogged rain gutters, unused tires, buckets, and other water-holding containers.
Mosquito Control in Bedford
The Bedford Health Department continues to work with the MDPH and the Eastern Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EMMCP) to monitor local mosquito populations for mosquito-borne diseases such as WNV and EEE. Bedford has a robust mosquito control program that includes an annual helicopter application of biological larvicide to wetland areas in town by EMMCP and each summer the Bedford DPW treats catch basins in town. Furthermore, the EMMPC has conducted three truck-mounted pesticide spraying events in town so far this year. Based on acquired surveillance data from five mosquito trap locations in town indicating low adult mosquito populations, there are no plans for truck-mounted spaying in the coming weeks. Mosquito spraying announcements are announced via the Health Department website at https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department. Although mosquito populations and risk for mosquito-borne disease remain low, it is still important to be vigilant when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly between dusk and dawn, and avoid mosquito bites.
Reduce Your Risk for Mosquito Bites
Residents have an important role to play in reducing the risk of WNV and EEE and protecting themselves and their loved ones by taking a few, common-sense precautions even in times of low disease risk. The best protection is prevention.
Mosquito Proof Your Property – Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to develop by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains, empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Install or repair screens, as some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all open windows and doors.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Take care to use repellent when outdoors during these hours.
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 Outdoors – Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are only intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Protect Your Animals – Speak with your veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. Keep animal or pet vaccinations and medications current.
Information about mosquito activity in Massachusetts during 2022 may be found on the Mosquito-borne Disease page on the MDPH website at https://www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases. Facts sheets on WNV, EEE and other mosquito-related materials are available by contacting the Bedford Health Department at 781-275-6507 or by accessing the Health Department website at https://www.bedfordma.gov/health-department.
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