The DeKalb County Health Department monitors for West Nile Virus activity by collecting mosquitoes in traps in the area.
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The National Parks Service and the Washington Department of Health made the announcement on Friday. Positive mosquito samples were detected in Worcester, Brookline and Malden earlier this summer.
In addition to the three new Zika cases, MSDH reported one new case of the West Nile Virus Monday morning.
As a result of these findings, DPH has raised the risk level for human infection in the communities of Arlington, Belmont, Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Waltham and Watertown from low to moderate.
Mosquitos are most active between dusk and dawn and residents should take measures to protect themselves and their families from mosquitoes that could carry it. Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Residents are also asked to eliminate standing water, which is where mosquitos are most likely to lay eggs. Check rain gutters and drains. Mosquitos can also be kept from inside the house by installing or repairing screens.
“We really have to do personal protection methods, keeping screens and windows in good fix and using repellants”, he said. When using insect repellents or similar repellents or chemicals, be sure to read and follow label instructions.
Use insect repellent containing DEET when outside.
The outside nighttime meetings, often presented as neighborhood parties, coincide with peak mosquito activity.
Wear long sleeves and long trousers when outdoors while mosquitoes are biting. No action was required there because more traps set near the location didn’t capture any mosquitoes with the virus, Smith said. The first case was reported in July 1. However, young children, the elderly or individuals with lowered immune systems are at greater risk of more severe symptoms.
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The city is treating catch basins and surface waters in public areas as part of its prevention program.
