Mosquito activity still cause for concern

NAHANT-Despite cooler temperatures, Nahant Health Agent John Coulon said mosquitoes are still active in the area.?Mosquito activity continues throughout the late summer and early fall,” he said. “This activity brings with it the risk for mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).”Coulon pointed out there were 59 cases of WNV between 2000 and 2007 and six were fatalities. There were even more fatalities associated with numbers for EEE.According to Coulon, outbreaks of EEE usually occur in Massachusetts every 10 to 20 years and typically last two to three years. The most recent outbreak of EEE in Massachusetts started in 2004 and included 13 cases with six fatalities through 2006.Coulon said many of the sports and recreational activities students participate in at this time of year are during the evening and dusk hours, which is when many types of mosquitoes are actively biting.Coulon urged parents and coaches to make sure their children are adequately protected when outdoors. He said wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin and an insect repellent containing DEET should be used.Coulon cautioned products containing DEET should not be used on infants and only products containing less than 30 percent DEET should be used on children.