FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2006

 

CONTACT:

Nick Breault

Executive Secretary

Town of East Longmeadow

Phone (413) 525-5400 ext. 420

Fax (413) 525-1025

nbreault@eastlongmeadow.org

 

CROW TESTS POSITIVE FOR WEST NILE VIRUS 

 

            The Board of Selectman in their capacity as the Board of Health today announced that it has been notified by the state that a crow found in East Longmeadow has tested positive for West Nile Virus.  The crow was found on September 7, 2006.  The crow was turned over to the state Department of Public Health.  The state notified the Board of Health late Monday of the positive finding.

            The DPH website reports that state-wide 267 birds have been tested this season, with 39 positives.  This is the first positive test in Hampden County this year out of fifteen birds that have been tested.  One human case of WNV was reported in Arlington on August 20. 

            The East Longmeadow Board of Health, in conjunction with the Massachusetts DPH, issued mosquito safety tips on July 27.  The Board of health and the DPH encourage residents to continue to take these measures to protect themselves:

  • Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn). Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants if you’re out during dusk and dawn.
  • Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered. Always follow the directions on the label.
  • If you are out in an area with ticks (and these ticks occur all across the state), then do daily tick checks on you and your children, and remove ticks carefully according to directions you can find on the DPH web site.
  • Cover the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. Cover a baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
  • Fix any holes in your screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all doors and windows.

 

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  • Remove any standing pools of water around your home. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days.  Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths, etc.  Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

 

“We are particularly concerned for our senior citizens here in town and hope that they take extra precaution when they are out doors.  Proper clothing and good mosquito repellent really do help,” said Select Board Chairman Jim Driscoll

 

More information about the mosquito-borne diseases found in Massachusetts, EEE and WNV is available at the following DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm. Information about WNV is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).

 

For more information about Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses, please visit: www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/lyme/lymehp.htm.

 

Dead Bird Reporting:

Massachusetts residents can report dead birds to the toll-free WNV Information Line, 1-866-627-7968 (1-866-MASS WNV).  Residents may also call the East Longmeadow Board of Health at (413) 525-5400 extension 420.

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