Mosquito concerns still up in air

The recent floods could have brought a prime opportunity for an increase in the mosquito population in the Boston area since the insect breeds in standing water.

But Al DeMaria , chief medical officer for the state Department of Public Health, said yesterday there won't necessarily be a heightened mosquito alert this summer because mosquitoes don't become infected with diseases or increase in numbers until July or August.

Instead, he said, the outcome depends on how much rain there is this summer, among other factors.

Last year, there were four cases of Eastern equine encephalitis and two deaths, the same numbers as 2004. The rare viral disease was first found in Massachusetts in 1938. Of the 84 cases reported since, more than half were in Plymouth and Norfolk counties. One of the common symptoms is a high fever, but the disease can also lead to the swelling of the brain, or encephalitis.

There were also six human cases of West Nile virus last year, compared with none reported in 2004. Although most West Nile infections don't have serious symptoms, they can lead to headaches and rashes.

DeMaria also warned about Lyme disease, which is spread by deer ticks and can cause arthritis if it is not treated. There were more than 2,300 cases last year in Massachusetts.

DeMaria said covering arms and legs with long clothing and using bug repellents containing DEET can help people avoid the risks of mosquito and tick bites. He also said that repeated body checks and the quick removal of ticks can help.

``The warm weather is here, and people who are outdoors are exposed to mosquitos and ticks," DeMaria said. ``So it's a good time to remind people because the more they do now, the more it becomes a routine activity later."

Starting Monday , the state will begin testing for Eastern equine encephalitis and West Nile virus.

Throughout several areas in the state, mosquitoes are trapped and tested for the diseases. West Nile tests are also performed on birds. DeMaria said crows and blue jays are excellent birds to test for West Nile, a disease that arrived in the United States in 1999. Scientists in New York recently suggested that robins attract the most attention from infected mosquitoes, making them the primary carriers of the disease in the Northeast.