West Nile found in birds, mosquitoes in Lynn

LYNN -According to state officials, the deadly West Nile Virus has been identified in blue jays and mosquitoes found in Lynn.
The virus was also detected in blue jays in Lexington, and in crows from Haverhill, Southampton and Winchester.
While there have been no human cases this year of West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Massachusetts, dead crows or blue jays can be indicative the virus is circulating among birds and mosquitoes.
In 2007, six cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed in Massachusetts.
A rain soaked summer has allowed the pesky insects room to breed, which state epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria said are starting to become more active as the days get shorter and dusk comes earlier.
?It?s not unusual for Massachusetts to have human cases of WNV occurring through September,” he said. “Fortunately, with cooler temperatures, it?s easier to cover up to avoid getting bitten. We urge everyone to continue using repellent to avoid mosquito bites.”
West Nile Virus is commonly transmitted to humans by mosquito bites. Officials say the disease can infect anyone, but people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe infection.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, nearly 80 percent of people infected with the West Nile Virus won?t have symptoms.
The other 20 percent, however, may experience fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands and a rash on the chest, stomach and back.
Roughly 10 percent of people who develop severe illness from West Nile will die, and less than 1 percent of people infected will develop severe illness such as encephalitis or meningitis.
In order to prevent being bitten, officials advise people to stay inside from dusk until dawn or to wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and apply insect repellant when outdoors.
Draining standing water around the home and installing or repairing screens on windows, will also put a damper on mosquito breeding.
Residents are urged to report dead birds to the DPH at 1-866-MASSWNV.