Boston– More mosquitoes in Dorchester have tested positive for the West Nile Virus, the
Boston Public Health Commission said today.
Mosquitoes infected with the disease were previously found in Roslindale, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain,
West Roxbury, Back Bay, Brighton, and the Boston Harbor Islands. West Nile Virus (WNV) positive
mosquitoes were also detected in Dorchester in August.
In July, a red-tailed hawk in Jamaica Plain tested positive for WNV; in August, a blue jay in
Charlestown.
There have been no reported human cases in Boston.
Julia Gunn, associate director of the Communicable Disease Control Division at the Boston Public
Health Commission, said WNV poses very low risk to humans. And the threat of WNV-infected
mosquitoes usually subsides after the first hard frost of the year, which is likely to come some time
this month.
Ms. Gunn advises the public to take a few simple steps to protect themselves and their families:
“To avoid mosquito bites, wear long pants and long sleeves, use insect repellant, preferably one
containing DEET, and, if possible, avoid outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes may be
biting most heavily,” she said. “It’s also a good idea to make sure window and door screens are in good
repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your house.”
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, she advises turning over unused flower pots, buckets,
wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; removing leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap
water; disposing of or covering old tires; and covering swimming pools and kiddie pools when not in use.
For more information, call the Boston Public Health Commission at 617-534-5611, or visit
www.bphc.org.
-BPHC-
