West Nile Virus Confirmed in Plymouth Mosquitoes

The Plymouth County Mosquito Control has confirmed that West Nile Virus (WNV) was found in mosquitoes that were collected from Plymouth.

Due to the finding, the Plymouth Board of Health recommended all outdoor activities, including after school events and sports, should take place prior to dusk. The Plymouth Public Schools and the Town of Plymouth have cancelled activities scheduled for after 6:30.

The Plymouth Board of Health has provided the following tips for residents to protect themselves.

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: The hours around dusk and 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.
• Clothing Can Help: Reduce mosquito bites – Although it may be difficult to do when it is hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellant: When you are outside – Use a repellant with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), Permetherin, Picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus [p-methane3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under the age of two months 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. Permetherin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
  

• 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, change water in bird baths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens – Keep mosquitoes outdoors by having tightly – fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.