Northbridge - West Nile Virus

Northbridge Board of Health

WEST NILE VIRUS

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WEST NILE VIRUS DETECTED IN NORTHBRIDGE

On August 7, 2001, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed the presence of West Nile encephalitis Virus (WNV) in a dead bird, an American crow, collected from a residence at 379 Linwood Avenue.

No mosquitoes have tested positive for the WNV. We continue to remind people to take the steps outlined below to protect themselves and reduce their risk of disease.

WEST NILE VIRUS FACTS

WNV is a virus carried by mosquitoes that can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord).

WNV is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A mosquito becomes infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. You cannot get WNV through contact with a human or animal that has WNV. There is no evidence that a person can get the virus from handling live or dead infected birds. However, you should always use gloves when handling any dead animals and use double plastic bags to discard them in the trash.

Illness related to WNV is rare. Most people who are bitten by mosquitoes carrying the WNV will experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms. Mild symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches, often with skin rash and swollen lymph glands. Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, disorientation, neck stiffness, paralysis, coma, tremors, convulsions, and rarely death. There is no vaccine or cure for WNV.

Although everyone in areas with active virus is at risk of getting WNV, persons greater than 65 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS MOSQUITO CONTROL PROJECT (CMMCP)

At the Fall Annual Town Meeting held November 14, 2000, the voters of Northbridge voted to become a member of the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP). Membership of 3 years is required by statute.

The CMMCP provides an integrated pest management approach to mosquito control, using mosquito surveillance, public education and other specialized techniques to limit pesticide usage and to reduce the potential for disease transmission and mosquito annoyance to the public.

CMMCP personnel investigate complaints from residents about high adult mosquito population as well as regular surveillance of wetland areas. The results of an investigation may warrant the application of an insecticide to defined, site-specific areas of town. Mosquito spraying is done in all CMMCP member towns by request only. Residents desiring to know if an when these investigations are scheduled to be made can call the CMMCP office after 3:30 PM at (508) 393-3055 or by checking the "Pesticide Info" link on their website www.cmmcp.org. Routine wide area spraying for mosquitoes has not been performed by CMMCP for many years.

Anyone wishing to exclude their property for pesticide applications should notify their Town Clerk at (508) 234-2001.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND A DEAD BIRD

Call the Massachusetts Department of Public Health WEST NILE VIRUS HOTLINE 1-866-627-7968.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PREVENT WEST NILE VIRUS

The best way to protect yourself is to keep mosquitoes from biting you. Follow these steps:

- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn since this is the time when mosquitoes are most   active. If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long   pants

- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET and follow the directions on the label. DEET can be   toxic if overused. NEVER USE DEET ON INFANTS AND DO NOT APPLY REPELLENTS TO THE   FACE OR HANDS OF CHILDREN. Once inside, wash off insect repellents thoroughly with soap and   water

- Fix any holes in your screens and be sure that they are tightly attached to doors and windows

- Dispose of or regularly empty and metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water   holding containers (including trash cans) on your property.

- Pay special attention to discarded tires. They are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.

- Clean clogged roof gutters, remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of water

- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use. Do not allow water to stagnate in   birdbaths; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish

- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers

For more information you can call:

Northbridge Board of Health (508) 234-3272
(To report dead birds, stagnant water or complaints)

Northbridge Town Clerk's Office (508) 234-2001
(To exclude your property from mosquito insecticide application)

Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (508) 393-3055)
(To report complaints. To receive advisory information) http://www.cmmcp.org

Massachusetts Department of Public Health - West Nile Virus Hotline 1-866-627-7968
(For information on state-wide efforts related to WNV) http://www.state.ma.us/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm

Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm
(For information on West Nile Virus)