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Dead bird with West Nile found in Blackstone |
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Friday, 19 September 2008 |
BLACKSTONE — A dead bird found in Blackstone has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first such result in town in five years.
No human illness has been reported in connection with the local discovery, according to William T. Walsh, chair of the Blackstone Board of Health.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) issued the test results on the dead bird.
While West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, those over age 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. West Nile is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, according to a press release issued by the town Board of Health.
The following precautions are recommended to prevent mosquito bites:
n Be aware of peak mosquito hours, dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
n Use repellent and wear protective clothing. Repellents should have as their active ingredient(s) DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months old and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent on children under age 3. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3.
Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear, and should not be applied to the skin.
n Drain standing water, which is breeding ground for mosquitoes. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools.
n Make sure window screens are tightly secured to keep the insects outside.
Dead crows or blue jays may be a sign that West Nile virus is circulating among birds and mosquitoes in the area. To report a dead bird, call (866) 627-7968.
In 2007, 3,059 dead birds were reported to the MDPH. Forty-three of those birds reported tested positive for West Nile.
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the state Department of Health Web site at www.mass.gov/dph or call (866) 627-7968. |
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 25 September 2008 )
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