BILLERICA BOARD OF HEALTH
TOWN HALL
365 BOSTON ROAD
BILLERICA, MA 01821
TELEPHONE (978) 671-0931
FAX 978-671-0919
Web Site www.town.billerica.ma.us

West Nile Virus Confirmed in Mosquitoes from Billerica

DATE: August 30, 2012 CONTACT: Richard Berube, Health Director
TOWN: Billerica, MA TELEPHONE: 978-671-0931

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed that a collection of mosquitoes from a surveillance site in North Billerica has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the 2nd WNV positive mosquito sample this year in Billerica. Spraying in the area is planned after 8:00 p.m. for Thursday evening, August 30th to reduce populations of mosquitoes. A map and street listing is available on the CMMCP website at www.cmmcp.org/BILLERICA2012.htm. This is the same type of truck mounted spraying in targeted areas that has been done at resident’s requests. Residents can call CMMCP at 508-393-3055 with any questions or concerns or the Billerica Board of Health at 978-671-0931. Follow-up spraying may occur if conditions warrant it. The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will continue to test surveillance traps in the area the virus was found.

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 for severe infection.

By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites
• 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 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’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home
• 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, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

While Billerica Board of Health continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are working with Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to spray for adult mosquitoes in the affected area. Residents in the area to be sprayed will be notified by the Town.

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.