Health officials confirm West Nile virus in Easton

Kevin Perrington-Turner,
File image of a mosquito. (WLNE)

EASTON, Mass. (WLNE) — West Nile virus has been confirmed in Mosquitos from Easton.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health made the announcement Wednesday.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to human by a bite of an effected mosquito, according to health officials. While WNV can infect all ages, people over 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

To protect yourself from problematic mosquito infections, the Department of Environmental Management suggests:

  • Putting screens on windows and doors.
  • At sunrise and sundown (when mosquitoes that carry EEE are most active), consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
  • If you must be outside during sunrise and sundown, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use bug spray.
  • Use EPA-approved bug spray with one of the following active ingredients: DEET (20-30% strength); picaridin, IR3535; and oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane.
  • Do not use bug spray with DEET on infants under two months of age.
  • Put mosquito netting over playpens and baby carriages.

For more information and reports of virus activity, visit www.mass.gov.

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