Advisory
West Nile Virus Press Release
West Nile Virus Press Release 
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has reported that mosquitoes collected in West Springfield have tested positive for West Nile Virus. In addition, a man who lives in Hampden County has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus encephalitis.
For more information about mosquitoes, West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, visit this website: https://www.mass.gov/infodetails/massachusetts-arbovirus-update.
Efforts to protect yourself, your family and your pets from West Nile Virus, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, should be considered at this time. Use the following tips as a guide:
Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 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.
- 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.
- Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently (every 2-3 days).
- Install or Repair Window and Door Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR), Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Mass Department of Public Health (DPH) by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results from 2019, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.
CONTACT:
Jeanne Galloway, REHS, MPA, CHO
Jeanne Galloway, REHS, MPA, CHO
Director of Public Health
413-263-3206
Address/Location
Town of West Springfield
26 Central St
West Springfield, MA 01089
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 413-263-3000