NAHANT — The town remains on high alert following an announcement two weeks ago by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) that the West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples collected from Nahant.
While no cases have been confirmed in humans in Nahant, concern continues to spread like wildfire throughout this small town.
Resident Jim Osker explained his surprise with the idea of West Nile virus being present on the island.
“I don’t think there’s been a case in Nahant in 100 years; I don’t think there’s ever been one,” said Osker.
The DPH describes West Nile virus as “a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people in affected areas use insect repellent when they step outdoors and continue to reapply throughout the day. The CDC also recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to avoid exposed skin.
According to the DPH, the West Nile virus was first identified in the United States in 1999. Last year, there were five cases and one fatality from the disease. This summer alone, there have been 117 positive mosquito samples and seven confirmed human cases. Only one of those cases has been reported in Essex County.
Selectman Josh Antrim advises residents to adhere to information included in a notice on the town website, which includes advice on wearing bug spray and details on when mosquitoes are most active.
The town’s Board of Health recommends “mosquito-proofing” houses. For example residents are advised to go around their houses and make sure all still water — a hotspot for mosquito eggs — is drained. Allowing limited breeding spots can help stop the spread. Some of these spots could be located in rain gutters, flower pots, and bird baths. Changing the water consistently in these spots can limit the amount of mosquitos in residents’ living areas.
The Board of Health also recommends installing or even repairing old window or door screens. This helps to keep mosquitoes outdoors, as they are commonly drawn indoors. Residents are advised to screen all windows and doors to avoid unwanted guests in their homes.
“The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas,” the Board of Health said. “While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at high risk for severe infection.”
Antrim said his family have been taking some of these precautions since the virus was detected in town mosquitoes.
“Of course for my own family, we were trying to be cautious; actually, in the afternoon (when) me and my wife were out in the yard, she was standing in the garden and a mosquito started buzzing around (so) we both went inside,” said Antrim. “Obviously we, like other people, are avoiding exposure to these mosquitoes.”
Overall, the town’s Board of Health urges residents to use common sense and protect themselves and their families by taking precautions.
“While the Town of Nahant and the Nahant Health Department continue to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, locally we are continuing to educate the public at risk, encouraging the public to wear long sleeves and pants, and apply insect repellent especially at dawn and dusk,” the Board of Health said.
Hannah Chadwick can be reached at [email protected].