Milton, MAAs the summer comes to a close it is important to continue to take precautions to prevent mosquito-borne viruses as late summer and early fall (until the first hard frost) is usually a period with increased infection rates.  The recent and continuing detection of West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) activity in the Milton area certainly highlights the need for continued personal protection measures.

The Milton Board of Health and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) remind residents to reduce their risk of mosquito-borne viruses by using appropriate personal protective measures.

• Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) or, if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
• Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus may also be considered.  Products with permethrin should only be used on clothing. Always follow the directions on  the label. Repellents should not be used on children younger than two months of age.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
• Cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors.  When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the  baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
• Fix any holes in screens and make sure they are tightly attached to all doors and windows.
• Remove any standing water from backyards so mosquitoes can’t breed.  Mosquitoes will begin to 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, birds baths, etc.
• Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project (NCMCP) continues to conduct weekly ground based spraying on Thursday late evening between sunset and midnight based on resident’s requests and mosquito activity monitoring, weather permitting.  Residents who wish to have their property sprayed by NCMCP should fill out an online request form at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org each week by Thursday at 12:00 PM.  If any resident wishes to know when the spray program may be conducted in their area, they should go to the Project’s website where map and/or street listings will be posted on or about 3:30 PM each Thursday.

More information on mosquito-borne diseases, their symptoms, on protecting yourself from bites by mosquitoes, and on safe application of mosquito repellents can be obtained by visiting the MDPH web site on arboviral  (mosquito-transmitted) diseases http://www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

In addition, the Milton Board of Health reminds residents to also be aware of the increasing occurrence of Lyme disease in Milton.  The highest risk period of infection runs through early fall.  The single most important thing is to check yourself for ticks once a day (don’t forget to check children and pets too).  For more information please visit the MDPH website on tickborne diseases http://www.mass.gov/dph/tick.