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Spread of mosquito-borne viruses accelerates

E-mail | Print | Comments () Posted by Gideon Gil September 14, 2009 05:08 PM

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By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff

Repeating a pattern evident in recent years, the spread of mosquito-borne viruses is accelerating in the waning days of summer, public health authorities reported this afternoon.

In the past week, bugs infected with West Nile virus have been detected in New Bedford and Wareham. Mosquitoes carrying eastern equine encephalitis have been detected in parts of the state identified as hotspots for the virus: Mattapoisett, Plympton, and Rochester in southeastern Massachusetts, and Amesbury and Methuen near the New Hampshire border.

No human cases of either disease have been diagnosed this year in Massachusetts, according to the state Department of Public Health. Ten cases of West Nile were confirmed in the past five years. From 2004 through last year, 14 people in Massachusetts contracted eastern equine, resulting in six deaths.

To avoid being bitten by a mosquito, specialists recommend staying inside from dusk to dawn, peak mosquito-biting time. If outdoor activity is necessary at night, wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks. Bug repellants such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus can also provide protection. DEET should not be used on infants 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 on children younger than 3 years.

Homeowners can take measures that reduce mosquitoes' breeding grounds, including draining flower pots, wading pools, and gutters.

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White Coat Notes covers the latest from the health care industry, hospitals, doctors offices, labs, insurers, and the corridors of government. Chelsea Conaboy previously covered health care for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Write her at cconaboy@boston.com. Follow her on Twitter: @cconaboy.

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