DIGHTON — The Town of Dighton reports that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has announced that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in an additional mosquito sample collected from Dighton.
With this latest sample testing positive, the Town of Dighton is currently classified by DPH as being moderate risk for transmission of West Nile Virus.
DPH officials announced on Aug. 17 that mosquitoes had tested positive for the virus for the first time in town this year. Today’s announcement is the second such positive sample result this year.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas.
While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe infection. Although there have been no human cases of WNV detected in Massachusetts this year, it is important for residents to be aware and take precautions.
Mosquito Mitigation
Information from the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project, with whom the Town of Dighton regularly works, can be found at mass.gov/orgs/bristol-county-mosquito-control-project.
The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project, until Sept.10, had Dighton on a weekly Wednesday spraying schedule. However, the spraying is only effective as long as the temperature stays above 55 degrees, which is why the spraying concluded on Sept. 10.
The BCMCP will continue testing and has increased water management efforts (such as addressing standing water). The Town of Dighton remains in touch with DPH officials to remain vigilant relating to testing samples and the Town’s threat level.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
The Town of Dighton recommends the following precautionary measures:
- Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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 3 years old. 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. 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. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the 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. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding 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. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found on the DPH website.
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