Norfolk County Man Second Case of West Nile Virus in Mass.

West Nile Virus has rolled into town, and someone in the county is sick. 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced this week that a second case of West Nile virus has been diagnosed in Norfolk County. At the beginning of the month, the MDPH also announced that some mosquitoes in town had been found to carry the virus. 

The Needham Town Website posted an announcement yesterday with a link to more information.

Patch spoke with MDPH Bureau of Infectious Disease director Kevin Cranston earlier this year to learn more about the virus. 

The Needham Board of Health sent out the following tips to keep residents safe from bug bites--and hopefully WNV as well.

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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• 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-mtoluamide), 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.

• Drain Standing Water – Many 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.