West
Nile Virus
Recently, the Boston Public
Health Commission reported that three crows positive for West Nile
Virus were found in West Roxbury Parkway on August 12th,
in Dorchester on August 15th and in Jamaica Plain on
August 18th. A Medford man was diagnosed with West Nile
Virus and is the first case in Massachusetts this year.
What you should know:
- Summer is the time of year when people and
mosquitoes are outside enjoying the warmth. Adult mosquitoes bite
humans and can transmit West Nile Virus and other viruses that can
cause illnesses, such as encephalitis. Warm evenings and humidity
allow mosquitoes to breed and grow rapidly.
- The elderly and people with weakened immune
systems have the biggest risk of illness from West Nile Virus.
- What should you do if a mosquito bites you?
Remember, mosquito-borne
illness is very rare in Boston. However, you should seek a doctor
immediately if you develop a high fever, confusion, severe
headache, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light.
What can you do to prevent the
spread of these mosquito-born illnesses?
- Protect yourself: repair window and door
screens that have holes, use mosquito repellant, wear protective
clothing, and limit the amount of time you spend outside from dusk
to dawn, because that’s when mosquitoes are most active.
- Prevent mosquitoes from breeding: turn over
open containers that fill up after rain, unclog your gutters,
cover unused swimming pools and turn over kiddie pools when not in
use, and cover or dispose of old tires.
- If you have any questions, call the Latin
American Health Institute-Juanita Sosa at 617-350-6900 x103 or
visit the Boston Public Health Commission website at
www.bphc.org
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