More North Shore West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes As Threat Level Rises

PEABODY, MA — North Shore residents are urged to take precautions against mosquito bites after additional insects testing positive for West Nile Virus were found in the area.

• $1 Billion Powerball Jackpot In Saturday’s Drawing Could Grow: How To Play In MA

This is the second positive mosquito sample identified in Danvers within the past two weeks. The Danvers and Peabody Health Departments said the risk level was raised from low to moderate in both communities as of Friday.

The change in risk level is also influenced by the increasing number of positive samples and
elevated risk levels in surrounding communities.

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 of severe infection.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus, 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.

Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, 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 repellent.

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.

More on Patch:

• 50+ MA Beaches Closed To Swimming Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend
• Salem French Bulldog Rescues Shine Harsh Light On Overbreeding Dangers

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)