Thursday, September 7, 2017

Attention Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - West Nile Virus

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed the Franklin Health Department that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in South Franklin on August 30th. It is not unusual for West Nile Virus to be found in Norfolk County or Franklin this time of year. 

We do however urge residents to take common sense precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of mosquito activity; generally between dusk and dawn. The use of a repellent containing up to 30% DEET, permethrin or picaridin provides protection against mosquitoes. Permethrin products should not be applied directly to the skin, but only used on clothing. We recommend that residents drain all standing water on their property. Birdbaths, buckets/pails, wheelbarrows and children’s inflatable pools all provide ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.

The Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has suspended all truck-mounted spraying for the season due to cooler evening temperatures, which reduces mosquito activity significantly. It is expected that no additional spraying will be conducted unless the virus activity level changes considerably.

The Franklin Health Department and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to closely monitor mosquito/virus activity in the town to ensure residents are provided with up to date information.

If residents have any questions, you may contact the Franklin Health Department office @ 508-520-4905.

David E. McKearney, R.S.
Public Health Director
Franklin Health Director

Attention Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - West Nile Virus
Attention Franklin Residents: Public Health Advisory - West Nile Virus


This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/news/public-health-advisory

No comments:

Post a Comment