Brookline mosquito tests positive for West Nile Virus, Dedham urges residents to take precautions

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Monday that a mosquito sample in the town of Brookline tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). There have been no positive mosquito samples in Dedham this year. 

To date, there have been no human cases of WNV detected in Massachusetts this year. The risk level of WNV in Dedham remains low. Regardless, it is important that Dedham residents take precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. In 2022, there were eight human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts. While the virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

The Town of Dedham, with the help of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District, works to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes by treating all stormwater catch basins in town and wetland areas. The Town also works with property owners to remove large sources of standing water like abandoned swimming pools.

Tips to reduce mosquitoes can be found below:

Mosquito-Proof Your Home:

- Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and kiddie pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

- Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Avoid Mosquito Bites:

- Apply insect repellent when 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 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 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years old.

- 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.

- Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Dedham residents can request mosquito spraying by calling the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District at (781) 762-3681.

More mosquito prevention information can be found on the State’s website, including a risk map of WNV levels across the State.