West Nile Virus case prompts Department of Public Health warning

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - State health officials are reminding residents to be vigilant and take simple steps to protect themselves against mosquito bites.

The Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed the third human case of West Nile Virus in the state last Friday.  Now, the risk of contracting the virus has been elevated in several towns across western Massachusetts.  The DPH says mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus have been found in 83 communities across Massachusetts, this year. 

“So far, I haven't thought about it, if I start seeing mosquitoes after this I sure will,” said Mary Knightly of Amherst on Monday morning.

On August 15th, the DPH announced a horse in Ludlow tested positive for the virus.  And last Friday the third human case of the West Nile Virus was confirmed in Berkshire County. The findings raised risk levels in Ludlow, and neighboring Granby, where the threat is now at a moderate level.

“I mean one case and there's millions of people, I mean it's going to happen, at any rate that didn't affect us particularly,” said Ted Sargent of Leverett.  

Health officials say peak biting times for mosquitoes are between the hours of dusk and dawn. And one way to avoid bites is by using repellents and pesticides that will limit the number of places mosquitoes can breed in and around your home.

“Well anywhere where there is standing water, it's very easy for them to breed there. They'll even hang around in the shrubs if you've go some real dense evergreens,” said Tom Giles, owner of the Hadley Garden Center in Hadley. 

Giles says among the most popular repellents are bug bands, which you can tie around your wrist or ankle without having to use spray.  And mosquito dunks that you can drop in stagnant water, bird baths or ponds; “this would form a barrier to prevent mosquitoes from breeding,” said Giles.

The DPH says using products that are made with DEET, a chemical that mosquitoes dislike, are highly effective.  However, products containing DEET or oil of lemon should not be used on infants. 

Jennifer Brown, RN, Northampton's public health nurse, told 22News only 20 percent of those who are bit by a mosquito that carries the virus will develop flu-like symptoms.  And people over the age of 50 are at higher risk of developing a severe illness, if bit; with symptoms occurring anywhere between three days to a week from the time of the bite. 

A total of 1118 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 41 deaths, have been reported to CDC in 2012.