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7-31-2024 12:02am
West Nile Virus is Detected in Westwood Area, but Risk Level is Low
Darlene Cancell
Editor
Mosquito samples testing positive for West Nile Virus have been found in Westwood on July 23rd and in both Dover and Medfield on July 25th, but no human or animal cases have been reported, according to information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regarding testing conducted in Norfolk County.
In Norfolk County, 10 positive mosquito samples for West Nile have been found this month, of which 1 such positive sample has been found in each of the towns of Westwood, Dover, and Medfield.
On a scale of risk that includes levels labelled as "remote," "low," "moderate," "high, and "critical," the risk level as of July 30th at town-level for each of the three Norfolk towns is currently assessed as "low."
Common-sense protections can be taken as protective measures, said Brenda Healy, Public Health Nurse for the Town of Medfield in an announcement to residents on Tuesday. She advises residents to avoid mosquito bites and to mosquito-proof their homes. Recommended steps include:
- Apply insect repellent containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going out of doors, according to product label directions. Note that DEET should not be used on infants under 2 months old. For older children, use concentrations of 30 percent or less. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old. Permethrin products should not be applied to the skin, and only applied to clothing and gear.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, as heat tolerance allows.
- Move indoors to avoid being bitten.
- Drain areas of standing water (e.g. flower pots, bird baths, gutters/drains) around the home, where mosquitos may lay eggs.
- Install or repair screens.
Updated 8/1/2024 at 9:34 a.m.
