SAUGUS — The state Department of Public Health has increased the town’s risk level for West Nile virus to high.
Detections of West Nile virus have increased throughout the state this year, and three mosquito samples containing the virus have been found in town.
The DPH informed communities on Sept. 3 of two additional cases of the virus in Suffolk and Middlesex counties.
Saugus now joins other communities in the state that have a high risk level, such as Arlington, Belmont, Chelsea, Medford, Melrose, Revere, and Winthrop.
“The risk of West Nile virus in Massachusetts will continue until the first hard frost. While the temperatures may be a bit cooler, September is still within the peak time for West Nile virus activity in Massachusetts,” state Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein said in a press release issued by the town.
The release additionally stated that there have been 286 positive samples of the virus this year, which were detected in multiple counties throughout the state.
Last year, there were six human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts.
Saugus Public Health Director John Fralick said that the Board of Health is asking for residents to stay vigilant during this time.
“The risk levels will remain high for the remainder of the arbovirus season,” Fralick said.
He added that the season will end around the time of the first “hard frost,” around mid-October.
Fralick said that residents can utilize resources on the town’s website and at the Board of Health’s office to stay up to date with the proper precautions to take.
The board recommends that residents follow the DPH’s suggestions, which include using bug sprays containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3, 8-diol [PMD]) to help ward off the mosquitoes.
Additionally, residents are encouraged to wear long-sleeve shirts, pants and socks, and avoid activities from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Entomologist Kimberly Foss, of the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District, said that additional mosquito traps have been set throughout the district.
“We will continue to do everything we can to mitigate the ongoing risks,” Fralick said.
The board’s office can be reached at 781-231-4117 if residents have further questions related to the virus.
