MEDFORD — Mosquitoes found in West Medford have been identified as carriers of the West Nile Virus (WNV) and local and area residents have been advised to take precautions against this potential health threat.
The Medford Board of Health issued a warning to local and area residents following the results of regular testing undertaken by the crews in late July under the supervision of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH).
This is the second time this summer West Nile virus has been identified in Medford. Detections of WNV have already been detected in mosquitoes found by crews in similar testing in nearby Malden, Somerville and Everett.
There were two reported WNV detections in Medford last year, in July 2016, and again in mid-August.
Since June, there have been 30 reported West Nile Virus detections in Massachusetts.
DPH-supervised crews are continually sampling mosquitoes statewide for both the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
State DPH officials said local and area residents should be warned that mosquitoes pose a health threat between now and early October. Officials said the chances of humans acquiring mosquito-borne diseases such as WNV or EEE are remote, but residents should be aware that these mosquito-borne viruses could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis. Early symptoms of these diseases include fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle weakness.
According to information available on the Mass. DPH website at www.mass.gov, mosquitoes acquire WNV or EEE after biting an infected bird. Those mosquitoes can then transmit that virus to a person, horse or to another bird. During risk periods of WNV or EEE, Medford residents and those statewide should take preventative actions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing.
Residents are also advised to:
—Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting.
—Fix any holes in screens and screen doors and replace worn weather stripping.
Animals such as dogs and horses are also especially at risk for infection and mosquito repellent appropriate for these animals are available through veterinarians, officials said.
A fact sheet with more information can be found on the City of Medford Board of Health Department website at: http://www.medfordma.org/departments/health-department/ or call 781-393-2560.
