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West Nile Virus, Mosquitos and You

Posted on: August 15, 2023 - 9:14am

A possible case of West Nile Virus (WNV) has been reported in Melrose and positive WNV mosquito samples have been reported in surrounding communities. The Melrose Health and Human Services Department is encouraging residents to take steps now to avoid mosquito bites.

Most people who contract WNV do not develop any symptoms. However, about 1 in 5 infected people develop a high fever and other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. The majority of people with WNV who develop a febrile illness recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Approximately 1 in 150 people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as meningitis or encephalitis. Of those who experience severe illness, a small number may die or develop permanent side effects. People over age 60 or those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of developing a severe illness from WNV.

While WNV can cause serious illness, there are simple things that you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones: 

  • Use an insect repellant with an EPA-registered ingredient like DEET or picardin. Do not use DEET on children under 2 months. Children older than 2 months should use DEET with concentrations of 30% or less. Permethrin is very effective when applied to clothes, but should not be used directly on skin. Carefully follow instructions on the label, especially when using on children.
  • When outdoors, wear long pants, a long sleeve shirt, and socks to keep mosquitos away from your skin.
  • Avoid scheduling outdoor events between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active.
  • Repair any holes in your door and window screens and make sure they are tightly attached to prevent mosquitos from coming into the house.
  • Remove areas of standing water around your home, including plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows. Mosquitos can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than 4 days.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
  • Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated. Remove water collected in pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.

If you have questions or would like to contact Melrose’s Health and Human Services Department, call (781) 979-4130. You can also read about the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, which services Melrose and surrounding communities.