Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites

The
City of Somerville Health Department issued a reminder today that with warmer
temperatures expected this week, residents are advised to continue to take
precautions against mosquitoes, which may carry diseases such as EEE or West
Nile Virus.

The
Massachusetts Department of Public Health released the following statement and
prevention tips last week: “Even as
cooler temperatures begin arriving in the state, the fact is that the threat of
mosquito-borne illness will continue until the first hard overnight frost,”
said DPH State Public Health Veterinarian Dr. Catherine Brown. “In the
meantime, it’s vitally important that we continue taking common-sense
precautions against mosquito bites: use insect repellant, cover up, and avoid
outdoor activities at dusk and after nightfall when mosquitoes are at their
most active.”

Avoid
Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide),
  permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3,
  8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product
  label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age
  and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil
  of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of
  age.

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for
  many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur
  during evening or early morning

• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when
  outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof
Your Home

• Drain Standing Water.
  Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places
  around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding
  items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused
  flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting
  screens on all of your windows and doors.

Protect
Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce
potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing
water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially
after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats
and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to
reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor
stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. If an animal is
diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to Department of
Agriculture (DAR), Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the
Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.