West Nile hits Lynn

LYNN – West Nile Virus was found in mosquitoes trapped in Lynn, according to data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH).Attempts to reach Lynn Public Health Director MaryAnn O’Connor were unsuccessful on Friday but Nahant Health Agent John Coulon said he was notified of the Lynn test results Friday afternoon by the state Department of Public Health.Coulon said Lynn was one of six communities in the Metro Boston area that tested positive.Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy said West Nile Virus being found in mosquitoes in Lynn is a concern but not unexpected.”We’re concerned but not alarmed,” she said. “Mosquitoes with the virus have been found in many areas in Massachusetts. We’re working with health officials on ways to keep the mosquito population in check and minimize any risk to residents. Everyone should follow the advice from the DPH and try to avoid going out when mosquitoes are most active, use insect repellent and try to eliminate any standing water that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes.”The virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite from an infected mosquito. While West Nile Virus can affect people of all ages, people aged 50 and older are at the highest risk for a severe infection.The Massachusetts Department of Public Health urges residents in areas where mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, which is when mosquitoes are most active.When outdoors, you should wear protective clothing and insect repellent. Repellents with DEET in them are effective against the virus, however, it’s recommended that DEET products do not get used on children under the age of 3.Coulon emphasized mosquitoes in Nahant tested negative for West Nile Virus. Coulon said to date the Nahant mosquito management plan, which consists of larviciding catch basins and storm drains, has been effective in controlling mosquitoes. Coulon added the Northeast Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District has set up traps in town and will continue to monitor the mosquito population based on information it collects from mosquito traps.”We’ll be looking for input from Northeast Mosquito Control,” he said. “At this point we don’t see any reason to change what we’re doing in Nahant but we’ll be monitoring the situation closely.”