Lynn bitten by West Nile virus bugs

LYNN – Health officials are warning residents to protect themselves against pesky mosquitoes now that the West Nile virus has been detected in the city, according to a release issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.On Aug. 3, the Northeast Mosquito Control Group collected a sample of mosquitoes at a site near the Lynn-Saugus line and tested them for the virus. A positive result was released late Friday.?It?s that time of the year,” said Lynn Public Health Director MaryAnn O?Connor. “If it had happened in June, it would be more worrisome because it would mean the mosquitoes were breeding at a faster rate, but to have it happen in August isn?t that bad.”O?Connor said last year a couple of mosquitoes also tested positive for the virus toward the end of the summer. In 2010, 3,558 mosquito samples were tested for the virus statewide, with 121 samples coming back positive.?We now have outdoor sports going on and soccer and football camps, so it?s good for folks to think about protecting themselves because the (mosquito) season is not over yet,” O?Connor said.According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 80 percent of people who contract West Nile don?t have any symptoms. Those who do may experience a fever, headache and body aches, which O?Connor said mimic the feeling of having the flu.Peak biting hours are typically at dawn and dusk, so O?Connor advised people to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible. And, if it?s too hot to do so, she said to make sure to spray exposed skin with a product containing DEET.?But you can?t use DEET on babies, just protective clothing,” O?Connor said. “And, with all the rain we?ve had lately and hot weather, the mosquitoes are increasing their population. Make sure to not have standing water in buckets and barrels, so they can?t breed.”Those at higher risk to develop severe symptoms from West Nile are those over 50.Greater Lynn Senior Services Executive Director Paul Crowley said the organization warns the elderly on issues concerning their health and well being, including the prevention of mosquito bites.?As a rule, we talk with folks in our care on a regular basis about issues and make sure we stay connected with them,” Crowley said.O?Connor said that age group should take special precautions to avoid getting bit by a mosquito. Tests of mosquitoes in the area remain ongoing on a weekly basis.To report an area of concern, O?Connor said residents are urged to call her office at 781-586-6828, or the Northeast Mosquito Control Group at 978-463-6630.