In the News: West Nile virus detected in mosquitoes; plastic bag prohibition delayed for Franklin

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"About 15 minutes after the House of Representatives voted unanimously to give the executive branch new powers to run a statewide mosquito control response when the threat of mosquito-related diseases is high, public health officials announced that West Nile virus has been found in a Massachusetts mosquito for the first time this year. 

Two mosquitoes collected Tuesday in Belmont tested positive for West Nile virus, the Department of Public Health said, and no human or animal cases have been identified. 

There were five human cases of West Nile virus last year and 49 in 2018, the greatest number of cases Massachusetts has ever seen in a single year. 

West Nile can infect people of all ages, but people over age 50 and those with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for severe disease, according to the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/west-nile-detected-as-house-passes-mosquito-control-bill

"Earlier this year, town officials put the word out that Franklin would be banning the use of thin-film, single-use plastic shopping bags at local stores, starting in July. That was before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The town’s plastic bag ban has now been temporarily shelved. 

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said the delayed start of the ban is because of Gov. Charlie Baker’s late March order prohibiting the use of carry-in, reusable shopping bags while the pandemic is ongoing, to prevent the spread of the virus. All existing local bans on plastic bags were also lifted statewide. 

“Our local bylaw was to go into effect July 1, but with the governor’s order, we cannot implement the new bylaw yet,” Hellen said Tuesday. “Once he rescinds that order, we will allow for a certain time of compliance after that. That said, the bylaw is active, but is trumped by the state executive order.”

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https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200709/franklin-delays-start-of-plastic-bags-ban

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

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

"The virus can cause serious, life-altering symptoms"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Sep 18, 2008 @ 11:28 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The first "killer frost," expected in one to three weeks, should end the threat of West Nile virus here, said Franklin Health Director/Agent David E. McKearney.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a warning earlier this week after finding mosquitoes in Franklin that tested positive for West Nile virus.

The virus was detected in a sample taken on Sept. 11, in central Franklin, near Union Street and West Central Street, McKearney said.

"It's really not earth-shattering news. We know that West Nile virus is endemic in Massachusetts. We've had a lot of positive samples in Massachusetts, so it's not surprising," McKearney said.

In the past, the state found West Nile virus in a bird here, but not in a mosquito and never a human, he said.

Read the full article here in the Milford Daily News

"dead crows and blue jays"

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

GHS

Posted Sep 17, 2008 @ 11:58 PM

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FRANKLIN —

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a warning: Mosquitoes in Franklin have tested positive for West Nile virus.

"We continue to urge residents to take personal precautions such as using repellent. It's not too late in the season for us to see human cases of West Nile virus or EEE (eastern equine encephalitis)," DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Al DeMaria said in a press release.

DeMaria advised residents to protect themselves from getting West Nile virus from mosquitoes by:

• Being aware of mosquitoes' active hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for mosquitoes, he cautioned, so avoid early morning and evening activities outdoors
• Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks to protect skin from mosquito bites
• Applying insect repellent containing DEET (but not on infants under 2 months of age and in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children), permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (but don't use lemon eucalyptus on children under age 3)
• Draining still water to mosquito-proof a home. This includes rain gutters and drains, because mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, and install or repair screens to keep the pests outside.

Read the full article in the Milford Daily News here