From the Wayland Board of Health:
As you know, there is a human case of EEE that has been diagnosed in the Metrowest region of Massachusetts. The town where the individual resides will not be disclosed except for the fact that they live in the "Metrowest" region. There has been a EEE positive mosquito pool identified in the town of Sudbury. With concerns for protecting town staff during field work, please continue to communicate the following: We continue to encourage people to take a few, common-sense precautions, to help protect themselves and their loved ones from mosquito bites.
What you should do to avoid mosquito bites
Be aware of peak mosquito hours- The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more active in damp, shady areas, during cloudy humid days, and at night. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Also, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
- Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin and act as a barrier.
- Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid)or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], use 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 concentration of 30% or less on older children.
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
- Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.
More information on choosing and using repellents safely is included in the MDPH Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv, and also the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm, or National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) toll free at 1-800-858-7378 or online at http://npic.orst.edu/index.html.
If you can’t go online contact MDPH at (617)983-6800 for a hard copy of the fact sheet.
- Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Baby carriages and playpens should be covered with mosquito netting. If you would like further information, contact Julia Junghanns at jjunghanns@wayland.ma.us
