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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 17, 2021 Page 19 State health officials announce two new human cases of West Nile virus The state Department of Public Health (DPH) recently announced two new human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. Both individuals are male, one in his 50s and the other in his 70s, and both were exposed to WNV in Middlesex County. On September 1, DPH announced that the fi rst human case of WNV identifi ed in Massachusetts this year was likely exposed in Middlesex County. The Greater Boston area and several towns in Bristol and Worcester counties are at moderate risk for WNV. There have been no deaths this year associated with WNV. Based on the human cases, recent increases in WNV fi ndings in mosquitoes, and weather favorable for mosquito activity, the WNV risk level of an additional 38 communities is being raised from low to moderate. These communities are Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Marblehead, Middleton, Nahant, Peabody, Salem, Saugus, Swampscott and Wenham in Essex County; Agawam, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Springfield and West Springfield in Hampden County; Bedford, Billerica, Burlington, Carlisle, Lexington, Lincoln, Natick, North Reading, Reading, Sudbury, Wayland, Weston and Wilmington in Middlesex County; Dedham, Needham and Wellesley in Norfolk County; Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop in Suff olk County; and Grafton and Upton in Worcester County. “These are the second and third human cases of West Nile virus infection in Massachusetts this year and we are seeing signifi cant expansion of virus activity in mosquitoes,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “Risk from West Nile virus will continue until the fi rst hard frost. As we enjoy the unoffi cial last weekend of summer and then head back to school and work, it is important for people to remember to continue to take steps to avoid mosquito bites.” In 2020, there were fi ve human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and fl u-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. Avoid mosquito bites Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 according to the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Clothing can help reduce Miss you, love you and always thinking of you. Love, Nana & Family ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Ranch style home offering six rooms, two bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths in need of renovation or tear down, oversized detached garage/barn structure. Large lot with frontage on both Summit and Sapphire Streets. Offered at $579,900 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. mosquito bites. Wear longsleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Mosquito-proof your home Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed in by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused VIRUS | SEE PAGE 20 In Loving Memory of Justeen Marie Doherty April 18, 1993 September 20, 2019 Twenty-Eight Years a y avvy S iorenniiooro a avvyavvy iori n r by Jim Miller Could I Have COPD and Not Know It? Dear Savvy Senior, I have struggled with shortness of breath for several years now. I just thought I was getting old and fat, but a friend recently told me about COPD. So, my question is could I have COPD and not know it? Huffi ng and Puffi ng Dear Huffi ng, Yes. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive lung disease that aff ects an estimated 30 million Americans, but about half of them don’t know they have it. Many people mistake shortness of breath as a normal part of aging, or a result of being out of shape, but that’s not necessarily the case. COPD – a term used to describe a variety of lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis – develops slowly, so symptoms may not be obvious until damage has occurred. Symptoms can include an ongoing cough or a cough that produces a lot of mucus, lack of energy and/or shortness of breath especially during physical activity, wheezing and chest tightness, blue lips or fi ngernails, or swelling in your feet, ankles or legs. Those most at risk are smokers or former smokers over age 40, and people who have had long-term exposure to other lung irritants like secondhand smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes and dust. There is also a rare genetic condition known as alpha-1-antitrypsin, or AAT defi ciency that can increase the risks. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, you need to get tested by your doctor. A simple breathing test called spirometry can tell if you have COPD, and if so, how severe it is. Early screening can also identify COPD before major loss of lung function occurs. If you do indeed have COPD, you need to know that while there’s no cure, there are things you can do to help manage symptoms and protect your lungs from further damage, including: • Quit smoking: If you smoke, the best thing you can do to prevent more damage to your lungs is to quit. To get help, the National Cancer Institute off ers a number of smoking cessation resources at SmokeFree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Or ask your doctor about prescription antismoking drugs that can help reduce your nicotine craving. If you smoke marijuana for a medical condition, talk to your doctor about edible versions. • Avoid air pollutants: Stay away from things that could irritate your lungs like dust, allergens and strong fumes. Also, to help improve your air quality at home, remove dust-collecting clutter and keep carpets clean; run the exhaust fan when using smelly cleaning products, bug sprays or paint; ban smoking indoors; and keep windows closed when outdoor air pollution is high (see AirNow.gov for daily air-quality reports). • Get vaccinated: The coronavirus and fl u can cause serious problems for people who have COPD, so if you haven’t already done so, get vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a fl u shot every fall to help avoid getting sick. Also ask your doctor about getting the pneumococcal immunizations for protection against pneumonia. • Take prescribed medications: Bronchodilators (taken with an inhaler) are commonly used for COPD. They help relax the airway muscles to make breathing easier. Depending on how severe your condition, you may need a short-acting version only for when symptoms occur, or a long-acting prescription for daily use. Inhaled steroids may also help reduce infl ammation and mucus and prevent fl are-ups. For more information, visit the COPD Foundation at COPDfoundation.org or call the COPD information line at 866-316-2673. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

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