Lincoln is one of eight towns in Middlesex County that have been elevated to a “moderate” risk level for the mosquito-borne West Nile virus (WNV) by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) after four new human cases of WNV were confirmed in the county.
Three of the four cases are male (one in his 40s, one in his 60s, and one in his 80s). All were exposed to WNV in Middlesex County. This brings the total number of Massachusetts WNV cases to seven.
In addition to Lincoln, the Middlesex towns now at moderate risk are Concord, Lexington, Sudbury, Waltham, Wayland, Weston, and Winchester. The municipalities of Dighton, Fall River, and Swansea in Bristol County were also elevated to moderate risk after WNV was diagnosed in a female under the age of 19 with exposure in that county.
Cambridge, Newton, Somerville, and Watertown were elevated to high risk for WNV as a result of information obtained during case investigations on where the four Middlesex County individuals were exposed to the virus. Most WNV virus activity this year has been focused in an area around Boston and includes parts of Norfolk, Middlesex, and Essex counties.
While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over age 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, but when they occur, symptoms may include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. Click here for updated case information.
The MDPH recommends the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:
- Apply insect repellent when outdoors — Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-methane 3,8-diol or PMD), or IR3535 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.
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours — The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitos. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.
- Dress appropriately — Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin.
- Drain standing water — Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing water, so limit the number of places around your home for mosquitos to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or repair screens — Keep mosquitos outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools, especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitos near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitos.
Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals, and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, by calling 617-626-1795 and the MDPH by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.