[Apswel] Health Alert

[West Elementary School Mailing List]

Town of Andover
Town Offices
36 Bartlet Street
Andover, MA  01810
(978) 623-8200
www.andoverma.gov


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
West Nile Virus Confirmed in a Dead Bird from [your city/town]

DATE:		August 31, 2007	CONTACT:  Thomas G. Carbone

TOWN:	Andover		TELEPHONE: 978-623-8295

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Andover Health Division announced today the first West Nile virus (WNV) positive bird of 2007 in Andover.  In 2006, 4,261 dead birds were reported to MDPH and fifty-seven tested positive for WNV.

While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.  WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito infected with the virus.  

People have an important role to play in monitoring for WNV and protecting themselves and their loved ones.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
			*	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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing. 
			*	Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it's hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
			*	Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] 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.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to 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 getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.  
			*	Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
WNV Press Release
August 31, 2007
Page 2


Report Dead Birds  
				*	Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call 1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play an important role in monitoring WNV.   

The Andover Health Division continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies to monitor this important matter. The Northeast Mosquito Control District will be reviewing the area in the coming days to determine if any additional protection steps should be considered. At the moment, there are no immediate plans to spray any areas of town.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2007 can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm.  Recorded information about WNV is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).


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