Mosquitoes with West Nile found in Brookline

By Stephen Smith, Globe staff

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been detected in Brookline, the second time this summer that bugs carrying the potentially lethal disease have been identified in Massachusetts, public health authorities reported today.

No human cases of the disease have been reported so far this summer. Last year, six people were stricken with West Nile.

The infected mosquitoes were collected Tuesday in Brookline. Mosquitoes carrying West Nile were earlier found in Worcester.

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.