West Nile Found in North Andover

Mosquitoes in North Andover were found to have West Nile virus, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday.

Two samples of mosquitoes collected Wednesday were discovered to have the virus.

"This is the first finding of the West Nile Virus in mosquito pools in the Town of North Andover this year," North Andover Health Director Susan Sawyer said in a statement after the announcement. "There have been no human cases of the virus in North Andover or within surrounding communities."

There are no set plans to spray pesticides at this time, Sawyer continued.

West Nile virus can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The virus is most dangerous seniors.

Sawyer's statement included the following tips for protecting yourself from West Nile virus:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

·           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. Otherwise, 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.

·           Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to 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 getting rid of 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 - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2013 can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.