State health officials urge precautions to prevent mosquito bites

The Daily ItemBOSTON – State health officials are urging residents to take simple precautions to prevent mosquito bites, which can carry serious diseases including West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).These diseases, called arboviruses, are carried by infected mosquitoes and can cause illness and, in rare cases, death in people who have been bitten.”Summer in New England offers so many opportunities for us to be outside,” said state Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner John Auerbach. “With that in mind, it’s important that we take a few simple, common-sense steps to keep ourselves and our families safe from illnesses carried by mosquitoes.”These precautions include limiting outdoor activity during dusk hours, when mosquitoes are especially active; wearing long sleeves and pants to prevent bites; and using bug spray on exposed skin when outdoors. People are also encouraged to mosquito-proof their homes by fixing broken window and door screens, and to eliminate standing pools of water around the house – which can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes.West Nile Virus was first identified in the United States in 1999, and is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people who are infected with WNV will have no symptoms. A smaller number of people who become infected will have symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and, sometimes, swollen lymph glands. They may also develop a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. A very small number of people may develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.Eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but serious disease, is also caused by a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. In Massachusetts, the EEE virus is most often identified in mosquitoes found in and around freshwater, hardwood swamps. The first symptoms of EEE are fever (often 103º to106ºF), stiff neck, headache and lack of energy. These symptoms show up three to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito. Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, is the most dangerous and has frequent serious complications. The disease gets worse quickly, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. .Everyone has an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes:Avoid Mosquito Bitesu 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.u Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.u Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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.Mosquito-Proof Your Homeu Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.u Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.