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West Nile
Virus confirmed in Canton mosquito sample
The Canton
Board of Health has been notified by the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health (MDPH) that the first West Nile
Virus (WNV) positive mosquito sample of 2008 in Canton was
identified on Tuesday, August 26.
Confirmatory
laboratory tests were completed at the State Laboratory
Institute on a pool of mosquitoes found in the eastern section
of Canton. Despite cooler temperatures, mosquito activity
continues throughout the late summer and early fall. This
activity brings with it the risk for mosquito-borne diseases
such as West Nile Virus. Since January 1, through August 26,
there have been 60 mosquito pools as well as 40 birds that have
tested positive for WNV.
While WNV
can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at
higher risk for severe infection. WNV is most commonly
transmitted to humans by the bite of a human-biting mosquito
infected with the virus. The mosquito sample found to have
tested positive for WNV in Canton consisted of the species
Culex pipiens, which is a non-human-biting species. It does,
however, indicate that the WNV is endemic in mosquito
populations in Canton, which could potentially spread to
human-biting mosquitoes and, subsequently, to humans.
People
infected with WNV may develop serious and sometimes
life-altering or even life-threatening illnesses that require
hospitalization, such as West Nile encephalitis and meningitis
(conditions associated with inflammation of the brain or the
area around the brain) or a polio-like paralysis.
WNV illness
occurs between three and 14 days after being bitten by an
infected mosquito. Symptoms of severe WNV disease include high
fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma,
tremors, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.
Symptoms can last several weeks, and neurological effects can be
permanent
In the
general population, however, there are usually few, if any,
symptoms associated with WNV. In most cases it may cause less
severe flu-like symptoms with fever, headache, body aches,
nausea, or vomiting. Sometimes this includes a skin rash on the
chest, stomach, and back. These symptoms typically last a few
days, but could last several weeks. There is no specific
treatment for WNV disease.
The Canton
Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public
Health (MDPH) recommend that the public take the following steps
to avoid mosquito exposure and reduce mosquito populations
around their homes and neighborhood.
• 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.
Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective
clothing; 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. Never use DEET on infants. Avoid using repellents with
DEET concentrations above 10-15 percent for children and with
concentrations above 30-35 percent for adults.
• Take
special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing
outdoors. If you choose to bring a baby outdoors, cover the
baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• Fix any
holes in household screens and make sure they are tightly
attached to all your doors and windows.
• Remove any
standing water around the home to reduce habitats for mosquito
breeding. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in any puddle or
standing water that lasts for more than four days. Make sure
water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans,
recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths, etc.
Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof
gutters.
MDPH
encourages all residents to continue to report dead birds,
specifically crows and blue jays, through its public health
information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).
Information
about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during
2008 can be found on the MDPH website at www.state.ma.us/dph/wnv.
The Canton
Board of Health will continue to work closely with the MDPH and
the Norfolk Mosquito Control Program to improve
awareness of and decrease the risk from WNV.
Submitted,
John L. Ciccotelli, R.S., C.H.O.|
Director of Public Health
August 28, 2008
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