Town of Wayland: Holiday weekend message to residents: Take Precautions to Avoid Mosquito Bites.

The Mass. Dept. of Public Health is reporting that West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been isolated from mosquitoes in the region (EEE was identified in a mosquito pool in Sudbury, we were advised on Oct. 5, 2011). Although most human cases of EEE and West Nile Virus are contracted during August and September, there have been a few cases that have been contracted during October and there is an active mosquito population for this time of year. With the warm weather we are expecting for Columbus Day weekend, we advise people to be mindful to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes particularly if they’re going to be outdoors. However, the mosquito population should be decreasing each day at this time of year. Residents should be aware that mosquito-borne viruses could cause fever, meningitis or encephalitis. Early symptoms of these diseases include fever, headache, stiff neck and muscle weakness. For tips on avoiding mosquito bites and West Nile Virus, click here.