Two more women in Massachusetts test positive for West Nile Virus

Two additional human cases of West Nile virus were reported Friday by Massachusetts health officials, bringing the total this year to 15. Both of the new patients are women, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health said in a statement. One is in her 60s and was likely exposed in Middlesex County. The other is in her 70s and was most likely exposed out of state.Health officials have collected 333 West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples so far this year across Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.Last year, there were six human cases of the virus.”The risk from WNV decreases throughout the Fall months, but some risk for WNV will continue until the first hard frost,” officials wrote in a statement. Link: DPH mosquito-borne virus risk maps Mosquito safety tips from MassDPH:Avoid Mosquito BitesApply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (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 mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning in areas of high risk.Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.Mosquito-Proof Your HomeDrain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors.Protect Your AnimalsAnimal 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 provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis.If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.