Brookline: The residents of Brookline are being alerted by the Public health officials against mosquito bites following the discovery of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes that were collected and tested in the town. A statement issued by the state Department of Public Health on Friday, revealed that the mosquitoes in South Brookline in the neighborhood of Jamaica Plain line were found to carry the virus. Health Department of Brookline too confirmed that the virus is now believed to have spread to mosquitoes all over the town.
The collection and tests were started in June and after finding the presence of virus, larvicides have been applied to catch basins and wetland areas in order to prevent mosquito hatching. Mosquito traps have been set up and tests are being carried out on mosquitoes.
Adults over 50 years of age are at high risk of West Nile Virus disease. The symptoms associated with West Nile Virus disease are high fever, headache, weakness in muscles, stiffness of neck, paralyisis, tremors and disorientation. It can even result in coma and death in some cases.
The Brookline Health Department has issued some guidelines for avoiding mosquito bites:
People are advised to avoid outdoor activities after dusk. In case the activities can’t be avoided, then try to cover the whole body by wearing long-sleeved shirt, socks, gloves and long pants. Adults should use mosquito repellents with DEET. Keep away from areas that have large number of mosquitoes like wetlands. Never allow water to stagnant at one place. Leaking pipes and outdoor faucets should be repaired. Cut the grass short and trim the bushes around the house as these provide hiding places for mosquitoes.
If you notice stagnant water at some place that’s not your property, call the Brookline health department on the helpline (617) 730-2295.
Source:
CBC News
Also Read:
- Role of RNA Virus in Causing Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
- Herpes Simplex Virus – Symptoms, tests and facts
- Glandular Fever
- How to get rid of mosquito bite with remedies and treatment
- What is Malaria : Symptoms, Tests and Prevention
by on 01. Aug, 2010 in Health News
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