After the long and cold winter that we experienced, all of us are taking every opportunity to get outdoors this summer. However, everyone (including our children) needs to take a moment before dashing outside in view of the warning recently issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that raises the West Nile Virus risk level to moderate in our community, as many mosquitos have tested positive for carrying this disease.
Residents can be safe by following some simple precautions before leaving their homes, such as applying insect repellent and leaving as little skin exposed as possible; draining standing water from around our yard areas; and installing and repairing screens.
The West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis are serious health issues. As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”