Swampscott Second North Shore Town To Detect West Nile Virus

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — West Nile Virus was found in a pool of mosquitos collected in Swampscott Friday as it became the second North Shore town to detect the virus in as many days.

The state Department of Health and the town of Danvers confirmed a positive pool of the mosquito-borne virus was found in that town on Thursday.

West Nile Virus can infect people of all ages, but that for those 50 or older there is an enhanced danger for a severe reaction.

West Nile Virus is most common in Massachusetts from the end of August through the first frost of the fall.

Residents of Swampscott and surrounding cities and towns are reminded of a few precautions that can help protect them and their loved ones from contracting the disease.

Residents are recommended to wear insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus when they go outside. DEET products should not be used in infants younger than two months and should be used at 30 percent or less concentration on children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used in children younger than 3.

When possible, residents are advised to wear long sleeves, long pants and socks to limit areas of exposed skin where mosquitos can bite.

Peak mosquito hours are dusk and dawn. Residents are asked to consider rescheduling activities in the evening and early morning.

Residents are asked to consider moving indoors whenever increased mosquito activity is noticed.

Residents are advised to remove standing water in pools, fire pits, flower planters and other areas of their property. These spots have likely filled up during recent heavy rainstorms and act as a breeding ground for mosquitos.

Residents are asked to look for holes in screens where mosquitos are able to enter homes and keep windows and doors closed at times of mosquito activity to keep them out of the house.

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