Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile In Richmond
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RICHMOND, Mass. — A mosquito sample collected in Richmond tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The finding is the first in the state and it was collected on Tuesday. The town is part of the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, which monitors and performs mosquito control measures in tandem with the local Board of Health.
West Nile Virus is transmitted through bites of infected mosquitoes and can potentially be deadly, though most people show few or no symptoms. The presence of the virus has been found just about every year locally since the Mosquito Control Project began collecting samples. The state also tests for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, though that is more prevalent in the eastern portion of the state.
Since 2011 there have been 58 cases of West Nile in mosquitoes in the Berkshires and one human case, in which an elderly woman was hospitalized. There have been six cases of EEE. In 2016 statewide, there were 189 positive samples for West Nile Virus out of 6,414 samples collected.
The Department of Public Health issues the following tips for avoiding mosquitoes.
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
- 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, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus 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 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.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- 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. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
- 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.
Tags: mosquito, West Nile,
