Microsoft word - wnv press release - 2nd positive bird.doc

Town of Reading

HEALTH DIVISION
16 Lowell Street
Phone: (781) 942-9061
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Fax: (781) 942-9071
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
For Immediate release
West Nile Virus Confirmed in Dead Birds and mosquitoes from Reading

DATE: August 11, 2008
CONTACT: Larry Ramdin

TELEPHONE: 781-942-9061
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has advised that another dead bird and a
mosquito pool have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Reading.
Also, we will not be collecting any more dead birds, but the public is encouraged to report any
dead Crows or Blue jays by calling 1-866-MASS WNV. By reporting dead birds, you can play an
important role in monitoring WNV.
We all have an important role to play in monitoring for WNV and protecting ourselves and our
loved ones.

Avoid Mosquito Bites
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many
mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot,
wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from
your skin.
Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-
toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol
(PMD)] or IR3535 (Chemical Name: 3-[N-Butyl-N-acetyl]-aminopropionic acid, ethyl ester)
according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants
under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil
of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products
are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be
applied to skin.

Eliminate mosquito breeding places
• Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. • Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of • Tires should be disposed of properly or stored inside. • Rubbish barrels, buckets, wheelbarrows and small boats should be covered or stored upside down. • The water in wading pools and birdbaths should be changed once a week. • Infrequently used pools should be covered or properly maintained. Barrels used by gardeners to collect rainwater should be emptied once a week or treated with products containing Bti or methoprene Report Dead Birds
•
Dead crows or blue jays may be a sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in
an area. Call 1866- mass-wnv (1866-627-7968)
While the Reading Health Division continues to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are spraying for adult mosquitoes, treating catch basins. Additional West Nile Virus information can be found at our website www.readingma.gov/Pages/ReadingMA_Health/index Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2008 can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph under A for Arbovirus in the “Health Topics A to Z” index. Recorded information about WNV is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).

Source: https://www.sportsmanager.us/%5CDocuments%5CReadingYouthSoccer%5CReadingWestNile%20Warning%208.08.pdf