When Mosquitos Bring More Than An Itch - Editorial
The Upper Cape has enjoyed some beautiful weather as of late; the comfortable and lovely kind that comes to New England when the summer days fade away and the season dwindles. There seems to be no choice but to spend time outside enjoying it while it lasts, so on a recent Sunday we set out for a mid-afternoon walk through one of the many conservation areas in and around town.
The walk was glorious in every way you would expect on the kind of late summer day that feels more like early autumn: golden sunlight filtering through a lush canopy of the greenest leaves, clearly thriving from a summer with no shortage of rain; a calming sense of quiet, save for the sounds of nature and nearby critters and, thanks again to the rain, a plethora of sprouting spores and lush greenery all around. It was a gorgeous way to spend the afternoon.
Sometimes, though, enjoying the outdoors can come with unfortunate risks. On the drive home, as we absentmindedly scratched at our exposed shin, something surfaced in our mind—something we recently saw online about cases of West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE or Triple E) being found in Massachusetts.
Luckily, we did not get bitten or sick. It was a sobering experience, though, as the risks of these mosquito-borne illnesses can be severe. Mosquito bites are usually just shrugged off as part of being outdoors in the summer but, with risk levels on the rise, awareness is key and precautions should be taken by all.
West Nile virus is the more common of the two, but most infections do not cause symptoms. Mild cases can present as a fever, headache and body aches along with a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. The number of people who develop a serious infection is small—less than one in 100—but it is good to know the signs as a precaution. They include stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors and convulsions, and can lead to paralysis, coma, brain swelling or even death.
Triple E is rare but serious, with similar symptoms—high fever, stiff neck, headache, lethargy. Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, is the most dangerous complication, and can lead to coma or death. Cases of Triple E, according to the state Department of Public Health, occur in this part of the state.
Currently, most of Barnstable County is at low risk for cases of Triple E, but Bourne’s neighboring towns of Plymouth, Carver and Middleborough are at high risk.
Cases of West Nile virus, though, are a bit more prevalent: Sandwich and Mashpee are both at high risk, as are Yarmouth, Barnstable, Mattapoisett, Onset and Rochester; Bourne and Falmouth are at moderate risk, along with Plymouth, Wareham and Carver.
Mosquitoes are most active from just before dusk until dawn, so it is best to avoid being outside at these times if possible. When you are outdoors, always use insect repellent and try to wear clothing that covers arms and legs—especially during these peak times. Insect repellent should be used properly, with attention paid to its ingredients. Different repellents affect different insects, and active ingredients can vary when it comes to the whos and whats of safe use. Check the active ingredient before applying insect repellent to children or animals.
Be aware of mosquito activity around you and your home. Consider insect netting for doorways or outside areas, and repair window and door screens to ensure they are on tightly. Also, be sure to empty any buckets, wheelbarrows or other areas where water may collect—mosquitoes breed in standing water, so empty any outdoor containers regularly.
The state’s Department of Public Health tracks these kinds of things, and has links on its website for easy access to current activity and risk maps for both of these viruses. Tracking cases and risk levels of places you work, live or visit can help keep you and your loved ones (furry friends included) safe and healthy through the end of the fall. Preventive measures are the real difference-maker.
For more information or to check your local risk levels, visit www.mass.gov/mosquito-borne-diseases.