You have probably heard that positive mosquito samples for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis have been found in South Shore communities and on the Cape. In fact, a man from Plymouth County is currently hospitalized with Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Both diseases can present with symptoms of fever, headache, stiff neck, and flu like symptoms and, in severe cases, can quickly progress to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). You should take precautions to protect yourself from mosquito bites:
1) Plan to decrease unnecessary outdoor activities from dusk to dawn especially in critical areas.
2) Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use an EPA registered ingredient (Deet, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on your skin, permethrin on your clothes). Read the labels carefully for age limits and how to apply.
3) Wear long sleeved shirts, pants and socks while outdoors.
4) Repair screens to keep mosquitoes out of house.
5) Drain standing water around your house.