SAUGUS — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) informed the Saugus Health Department that a resident tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to a press release from the town. This is the second human case of the virus reported in Massachusetts this year.
Saugus is currently at a high risk level for West Nile Virus as of Wednesday. This comes following the announcement of the positive case. A high risk level means that more people may get infected in the area.
The Saugus Health Department is in communication with the state regarding whether additional public safety measures are necessary.
The town is encouraging all residents to follow the advice of the MDPH, which includes avoiding mosquito bites, being aware of peak mosquito hours, using clothing to reduce bites, draining standing water, installing/repairing screens, and protecting your animals.
Residents should apply insect repellent when outdoors. The MDPH notes that it should have EPA-registered ingredients. The peak biting hours for mosquitoes are from dusk to dawn, and residents should wear long sleeves, long pants, and long socks when outdoors at these times.
Eggs can be found in standing water, and residents can check places around their homes where mosquitoes might go to breed, according to the MDPH. This includes rain gutters and drains, empty unused flowerpots, and wading pools.
For a fact sheet on the West Nile Virus visit the MassGov website. It includes tips on how to protect yourself from the virus.
“The Saugus Board of Health will continue to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health through the remainder of peak Arbovirus season. In addition, the Town of Saugus has once again partnered with the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control program in efforts to cull the acute populations of mosquitoes on a weekly basis in the Saugus area,” according to the town.
Truck spraying requests are accepted from June 1 to Sept. 17. Between Sunday at 7 a.m. and Wednesday at noon, residents can go to www.nemassmosquito.org to request the application of ultra-low-volume insecticide to the front of their properties to reduce adult flying mosquito populations.”
Additional information, including updated vector-borne disease risk maps, can be found on the Saugus Board of Health website.
