How to Take Precautions from EEE and WNV

Patch contacted the Board of Health to find out more about WNV and EEE, as well as learn what precautions we can take. The following is what Westwood Public Health nurse told us:

We do have confirmed cases of mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).  _We do not have any human cases of West Nile Virus. _  WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito who became infected by biting an infected bird.  The precautions against WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), both mosquito borne illness, are the same and are as follows:

When outdoors, use insect repellent containing an EPA-registered active ingredient.  It is important to look at the active ingredient on the product label. Repellents that contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid) or picaridin (KBR 3023) provide protection against mosquitoes. In addition, oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] has been found to provide as much protection as low concentrations of DEET when tested against mosquitoes found in the United States.  Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging.

Many mosquitoes are most active at disk and dawn.  Be sure to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants at these times or consider staying indoors during these hours.

Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, and barrels.  Change water in pet dishes and bird baths weekly.  Drill holes in swings so water drains out.  Keep wading pools empty.

About 1 in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious illness.  The severe symptoms can include high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.  These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.  About  20 %of people infected have milder symptoms and include: fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rash and symptoms can last for a few days or a few weeks.

About 80 % of people infected will not show any symptoms at all.

There is very good information available at the www.mass.gov website.  Using the search bar you can find information on WNV, EEE, mosquitoes, and mosquito repellent.