West Nile Virus Risk Level Raised From Low to Moderate in Quincy
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed Thursday that the risk level from West Nile virus (WNV) has been raised from low to moderate in Quincy, Massachusetts. There have been four WNV-positive mosquito samples (pools) identified from samples collected in Quincy ( Culex pipiens/restuans complex and Culex salinarius species). To date, for 2020, the State has reported 64 WNV-positive mosquito pools from five counties, including fourteen positive pools from Norfolk County. The moderate designation indicates infection with WNV is likely or has already occurred.
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 mosquito infected with the virus. The City of Quincy Health Department and the MDPH recommend that the public continue to take action to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito populations around their home and neighborhoods.
- Limit your 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 or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s 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.
- Remove any standing water around your home that is available 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, birds baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.
While the Quincy Health Department continues to work closely with the MDPH, locally we are actively involved with Norfolk County Mosquito Control regarding the control of mosquitoes in Quincy. Click here for detailed information regarding WNV. The City website also has a dedicated section for WNV, found by clicking here, as well as one dedicated to EEE which can be found here.
Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2020 can be found on the MDPH website by clicking here. The Quincy Health Department will continue to work closely with the MDPH Arbovirus Surveillance Program and the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project on mosquito control and surveillance efforts.
This press release was produced by the City of Quincy. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
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