Protect Yourself Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

MELROSE, MA—With a string of rainy days on the horizon, the Melrose Department of Health reminds residents to remain vigilant against mosquitos.

Mosquito season runs from May until the first hard frost. They can spread viruses that cause serious diseases. Here in Massachusetts West Nile Virus (WNV) and Easter equine encephalitis (EEE). Reducing your chances of being bitten by a mosquito can reduce your risk of getting one of these diseases.

Best way to prevent bites:

• Use EPA-approved mosquito repellent any time you are outdoors, even if it is a short time, follow the directions on the label.
• Be aware of mosquitos around you- if they are biting you- then reapply repellent or go inside.
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours: dusk to dawn.
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages or playpens when your baby is outdoors.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants and sock when outdoors.
• Make sure screens are repaired and are tightly attached to doors and windows.
• Remove standing water from places like ditches, gutter old tires, wheel barrows and wading pools. They can begin to grow in any puddle or standing water that last for more than four days.
• Avoid camping overnight near freshwater swamps to reduce your risk of exposure to mosquitoes that carry EEE virus. Use a tent with mosquito netting.
• Remember to protect your animals. Horses are susceptible to West Nile virus. WNV and EEE are not spread from horses or other mammals to humans in any way. There are vaccines available for horses.

Only a small number of mosquitoes are infected at any given time, so being bitten by a mosquito does not mean you will get sick. The best way to avoid both of these illnesses is to prevent mosquito bites.