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| Mosquito Borne Illness |
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 Mosquito-borne illnesses are spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. Examples include West Nile Virus (WNV) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV). Typically, the season for West Nile Virus or other mosquito-borne illnesses is summer through early fall. As soon as mosquitoes are active, it's time to protect yourself.
How can I protect myself from mosquito bites?
If you are outdoors in an area with mosquitoes, consider these options:
- Use a mosquito repellent. The most effective repellents contain DEET, but there are several DEET alternatives that have been approved by the EPA (including oil of lemon eucalyptus tree or soybean-oil-based products). Read the directions on the product label to find out about precautions that need to be taken, how long the product offers protection, and how often the product needs to be reapplied. After returning indoors, wash off repellent with soap and water.
- If you use a product containing DEET, do not use concentrations of more than 30% on adults and use low concentrations of DEET on children. Apply DEET to exposed skin only (not eyes or mouth) and do not use it on open cuts or wounds. Do not let children apply DEET to themselves. Do not apply DEET on infants.
- Wear protective clothing such as a long sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks.
- Although mosquitoes can bite at any time of day, try to limit time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active (or use above precautions).
- Make sure window and door screens don't have holes in them. Screens in good repair will help prevent mosquitoes from getting inside your house.
What should I do if a mosquito bites me?
Mosquito-borne illness is very rare in Boston. Most mosquitoes don't carry viruses that cause human illness, and the risk of illness following a mosquito bite is small. However, you should see your doctor immediately if you develop high fever, confusion, severe headache, stiff neck, or if your eyes become sensitive to light.
Can birds get mosquito-borne illness?
Yes. However, it is important to note that people cannot get mosquito-borne illness directly from an infected bird. You should use thick gloves when handling birds or other dead animals (you may also use a shovel to pick up dead birds/animals but DO NOT handle dead animals with bare hands). If disposing a dead bird, double bag the bird and place in a sealed plastic bag. Place bird in trash for pick up (be sure to keep the dead bird away from areas where children, animals, or others may be able to get into the trash). Wash hands after disposing the bird.
What should I do if I find a dead bird?
If you find a dead bird, call the State Laboratory Institute (SLI) to report it at 1-866-MASS-WNV. Although not every bird will be tested, it is important for all dead birds to be reported. A large number of dead birds in a community can be a sign that mosquitoes in that area may also be carrying disease.
Why is standing water a problem?
It is very important to remove standing water. Mosquitoes breed in standing water and therefore even small amounts of standing water are a problem. Remember to turn over or cover unused flower pots, buckets, garbage cans, and wheelbarrows. You should also change water in birdbaths once a week, remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water, and cover unused swimming pools or turn over kiddie pools when not in use. To report standing water problems, please call (617) 635-5300.
2008 West Nile Virus Positive Mosquito Pool
Click here for a complete list of positive mosquito pools
(Last updated on 10/6/2008)
| 2008 West Nile Virus Positive Birds | | No. | Bird Species | Location | Date of
Collection | Date of
Results |
| 1 | Red Tailed Hawk | Jamaica Plain | 7/22/2008 | 7/24/2008 | | 2 | Blue Jay | Charlestown | 7/31/2008 | 8/4/2008 |
2008 West Nile Virus Human Cases
No human cases have been reported at this time
For more information on WNV risk, prevention measures, and dead bird reporting, please see our Mosquito-borne illness fact sheet.
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| For more info contact: |
| Communicable Disease Control |
| (617) 534-5611 (p) |
| (617) 534-5905 (f) |
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| cdc@bphc.org |
| 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor |
| Boston, MA 02118 |
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