More mosquitoes with West Nile found in Brookline

By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

For the second time in a week, mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Brookline, public health authorities said today.

The bugs were collected Friday from the same site where West Nile had been discovered earlier. Authorities are not disclosing the exact location, saying they do not want traps disturbed.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile have also been found in Worcester.

No human cases of the potentially lethal illness have been reported so far this year in Massachusetts. Last year, six people fell ill with the illness, which usually spreads to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

To avoid being bitten, public health authorities recommend avoid being outside from dusk to dawn, peak time for mosquito activity. If outdoor activity is necessary during those hours, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks can provide protection. Repellants can help, too, including DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET should not be used on babies younger than 2 months 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 the age of 3 years.

Draining standing water from gutters, unused flower pots, and wading pools can deprive mosquitoes of necessary breeding grounds. And having secure window screens can prevent the bugs from getting inside homes.