West Nile virus risk level raised to high in Everett

Residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites

Special to The Advocate

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has raised the West Nile virus (WNV) risk level in Everett to high following the confirmation of a human case in Middlesex County. This is the second confirmed human case of WNV in Massachusetts this season. WNV is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry WNV are found throughout Massachusetts, including in urban communities.

While people of any age can become infected, adults over the age of 50 are at greater risk of developing severe illness. With Everett now at a high-risk level, residents are encouraged to take additional precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

  Protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent. When spending time outdoors, use an EPA-registered repellent containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, following all product instructions. Permethrin can be used on clothing and gear but should not be applied directly to skin.
• Cover exposed skin when possible. Long sleeves, long pants and socks can help reduce mosquito bites.
• Be mindful of peak mosquito hours. Mosquito activity is often highest between dusk and dawn. Residents should consider limiting outdoor activities during these hours and use extra precautions when outside.

  Reduce mosquitoes around your home: Residents can help reduce mosquito populations by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Empty water from flowerpots, buckets, wading pools and other outdoor containers, regularly change the water in birdbaths, and check gutters and drains for standing water. Residents should also make sure windows and doors have tightly fitting screens and repair any holes or damage that could allow mosquitoes inside.

The City of Everett will continue to monitor guidance from DPH and share additional information with residents as needed.

For more information about West Nile virus, mosquito-borne illnesses and current risk levels across Massachusetts, visit DPH’s mosquito-borne disease resources at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.