The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) reported that West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Dartmouth on August 17, 2016. This discovery was made through long-term, routine public health surveillance by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project and the MDPH, said Dartmouth Public Health Director Christopher Michaud.

WNV is a mosquito-borne disease. The disease reoccurs annually in Massachusetts when mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on infected birds. Once WNV is acquired by a mosquito, it then transmits the virus to people through a bite, however, only infected mosquitoes are capable of transmitting WNV. The risk of infection is very low, but a small number of people, especially the elderly, can develop more serious illness.

Michaud suggests taking the following precautions to protect yourself and your family.

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.

Wear adequate clothing. 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 lemon eucalyptus oil [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-percent 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 even the smallest amount of water. Some species of mosquitoes need as little as a tablespoon of water to successfully breed.

Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and completely change water in birdbaths several times per week. A simple rule is if it holds water, it is a habitat for mosquitoes to breed. 

Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitted screens on all of your windows and doors.

Visit the Dartmouth Board of Health website for more information on discouraging mosquitoes and protecting your family from WNV .

Information about mosquito-borne diseases, including reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts, can also be found on the MDPH website.