After West Nile Virus Discovered, Spraying Planned South of Route 135 Tuesday

After a , the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project announced it will be spraying for mosquitoes in areas of Framingham that are located south of Waverly St. (Route 135) on tomorrow, Aug. 7 between dusk and 11:30 p.m.

If spraying is postponed, it will be re-scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 8.

CNN reported this weekend the United States is experiencing its biggest spike in West Nile virus since 2004, with 241 cases of the disease reported nationwide this year so far, including four deaths, health officials said.

Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been discovered in Framingham and Wayland. Mosquitoes carrying EEE have been found in Sudbury and Westborough.

In the United States, most infections occur between June and September, and peak in August, according to the CDC.

West Nile symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, the CDC said in a statement this week.

There is no vaccine against Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus for humans.

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best defense against infection with both viruses. There are several approaches you and your family can use to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases.

• Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect through several washes. Always follow the directions on the package.
  
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• Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.
• Install and repair screens: Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs near you: Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels and tires. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children's wading pools and store on their side after use.

The Project uses a spray formulation that contains the pesticide product, Anvil, to control mosquitoes. Anvil contains the pesticide, sumithrin, which is a pryethroid that is classified as slightly toxic by the EPA.

Mosquito control applications of sumithrin do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the lowtoxicity of sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes.

As with any pesticide, people should minimize their exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they are advised to go indoors for a few minutes while the spray dissipates. Residents are also advised to close windows facing the street.

If residents have any questions related to mosquitoes or mosquito control, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at 781-899-5730.

Information on the spray schedule is available via a recorded message at 781-893-5759 and at the Project web site at www.sudbury.ma.us/services/health/emmcp/