SWAMPSCOTT — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Monday that West Nile Virus has been discovered in mosquito samples collected out of Swampscott.
West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted through mosquitoes biting humans. According to the MDPH, none of the positive mosquito samples from the more than 10,000 collected throughout the state originated from Swampscott. Like many diseases, the effects of West Nile can be more dangerous to those age 50 and older.
Earlier this month, the virus was discovered in the nearby community of Saugus. On Sept. 4, the MDPH heightened Saugus’s risk to “severe,” and the nearby community of Lynnfield’s is currently categorized as “moderate.”
Swampscott Director of Public Health Jeffrey Vaughan released advice for Swampscott residents on how to minimize the chance of being bitten by a mosquito and to minimize their presence overall.
“Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET,” Vaughan said. “Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water.”
Vaughan’s other recommendations include wearing additional layers of clothing, minimizing time outdoors after dusk, and ensuring home window screens are full intact so the insect cannot enter through them.
