West Nile Detected in Brookline
Virus detected in Brookline; tips to avoid mosquito bites
Mosquitoes collected in three Brookline locations —near Amory Park, Cypress Street, and near the Jamaica Plain/Roslindale line — tested positive for West Nile virus last week, according to the Brookline Health Department. The town is distributing flyers to residents in affected areas, which include some Boston University properties.
West Nile has been detected in mosquitoes in more than 50 Massachusetts towns this year, and there have been three incidences of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) reported throughout the state. However, no human cases have been reported yet this year, and town officials are encouraging residents to take precautions against bites.
About 20 percent of those infected with West Nile virus will develop symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph glands. A skin rash may also appear on the chest, stomach, and back. Fewer than one percent of those infected will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.
“Severe West Nile virus is more common in persons over 50 years of age,” says Cheryl Barbanel, director of BU’s Occupational Health Programs and the Occupational Health Center and a School of Medicine associate professor of medicine. “Most persons infected with West Nile recover, although a small number may have persistent neurological deficits.”
The virus has been detected in Boston every summer since 2000, according to the Boston Public Health Commission. Between 2000 and 2006, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health documented 54 cases of West Nile virus infection, with 6 deaths. Last year 6 people in the state developedWest Nile, and from 2004 through 2006, 13 people contracted EEE and 6people died.
Often mosquitoes pick up the virus by feeding on infected birds. To minimize the risks of spreading the virus, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has set up a dead bird hotline (866-MASS-WNV) where people can report sightings.
Mosquitoes are most active between late July and late September, but if the weather remains warm the risk period can continue as long as November.
The state Executive Office of Health and Human Services offers tips to protect yourself against these mosquito-borne illnesses:
• Avoid being outside during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, if possible.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET, permethrin, picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus when going outdoors.
• Mosquito-proof your home by draining standing water and installing or repairing window screens.
For more information, read the town report or contact the Boston Public Health Commission’s Communicable Disease Control Division at 617-534-5611.