Town of Merrimac Health Agent Announces Positive West Nile Virus Test in Neighboring Haverhill

MERRIMAC — Health Agent Deborah Ketchen and the Merrimac Board of Health report that the state Department of Public Health has confirmed that a collection of mosquitos from surveillance site in Haverhill have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

Despite the positive test result in a mosquito in a nearby community, the risk level for the Town of Merrimac remains unchanged, but the Board of Health is urging residents to take precautions. 

In Massachusetts, public health surveillance is done for two mosquito-borne illnesses — West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The period of highest risk of getting either disease can be from late July through the fall, until the first frost.

Mosquitoes get WNV and EEE by biting infected birds. People and animals can get these diseases by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Most people bitten by mosquitoes carrying WNV will experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms and will recover on their own. Persons over 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe WNV disease.

The Town of Merrimac and the Merrimac Board of Health offer the following tips so that residents may protect 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 the evening, after 6 p.m. or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing. Mosquitoes can be active during daylight hours when the temperatures are cool.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it is 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, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age.

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 fitted screens on all windows and doors.

The state offers useful information about West Nile Virus here.

Information about WNV and EEE is also available by calling the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

A helpful fact sheet can be downloaded here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/wnv-factsheet-english/download.