(Updates with confirmed case in City)
The City of Newburyport provides an update regarding the status of mosquito-borne diseases in the community.
The state Department of Public Health informed the City on Friday morning that there has been a confirmed case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the community.
The City’s risk status remains as moderate.
To protect against mosquito bites, the City recommends the following tips:
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 the evening, after 6 p.m., or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing. Mosquitoes can be active during daylight hours when the temperatures are cool.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it is 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), 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 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age.
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 fitted screens on all windows and doors.
To stay up to date with information about positive cases of EEE or WNV and assess risk levels in the community, visit the Massachusetts Department of Health & Social Services here.
