On Sept. 3, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Milford.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

By taking a few, common sense precautions, people can help protect themselves and their loved ones: 

Avoid Mosquito Bites 

•  Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-mtoluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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% 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 skin.

•  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. 

•  Be aware of peak mosquito hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, 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 repellant. 

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 water in birdbaths frequently. 

•  Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors. The Milford Board of Health is working closely with the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address this finding of WNV in our community

Be Aware of Spraying

The Milford Health Department is working closely with the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to address this finding of WNV in our community. CMMCP sprayed on Sept. 4. Watch the town website for any additional spraying. 

Generally, there is no need to relocate during mosquito control spraying. The pesticides have been evaluated for this use and found to pose minimal risks to human health and the environment when used according to label directions. Although mosquito control pesticides pose low risks, some people may prefer to avoid or further minimize exposure. Some common-sense steps to help reduce possible exposure to pesticides include:

• Listen and watch for announcements about spraying in the local media and remain indoors during the application to the immediate area (please remain inside for 15-20 minutes, or longer at your discretion).

•  People who suffer from chemical sensitivities or feel spraying may aggravate a preexisting health condition may consult their physician or local health department and take special measures to avoid exposure.

•  Close street-facing windows and turn off the outside setting on window-unit air conditioners when spraying is taking place in the immediate area (you may open windows and activate AC units 15-20 minutes after the application, or longer at your discretion).

•  Do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use (pets should be brought inside if possible or their cages covered to allow a wider application to be performed).

Source: Milford Board of Health on Facebook