Politics & Government

Dedham Health Director: Beware of West Nile Virus, Mosquitoes

A mosquito found in Dedham tested positive earlier this month for West Nile Virus.

A mosquito found in Dedham tested positive for West Nile Virus this month, about four weeks earlier than 2010, Dedham's health director said Tuesday.

Residents need to drain standing water when possible from their yards to prevent mosquitoes from invading that area, said Catherine Cardinale. Water often collects in inflatable kiddie pools, drains and tires.

"We remind people that mosquito season is here and they need to be using precaution," she said.

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Residents should make sure screens are tight, use bug spray with DEET and take care of small ponds of water on driveways, the health director said.

In 2010, 3558 mosquito samples were tested for West Nile Virus and 121 were positive, and six were found in Dedham, according to the Norfolk County Mosquito Control.

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Cardinale couldn't pinpoint with 100 percent certainty why a mosquito tested four weeks earlier this year.

"There are a lot of things that play a role into that," Cardinale said. "West Nile Virus is here, and I don't think it is going away."

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. 


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