THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 Page 11 Revere and 12 surrounding communities identified as moderate risk for West Nile virus D ue to two additional West Nile virus cases identifi ed in Middlesex County and new West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito results identifi ed throughout the area, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has now identifi ed Revere and 12 other surrounding communities as a moderate risk level for WNV. There are some preventative measures you can take: 1. Avoid mosquito bites: Apply bug spray when outdoors and be aware of peak mosquito hours. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin. 2. Mosquito-proof your home: Drain standing water, such as in rain gutters and drains; empty any unused fl owerpots and wading pools and change water in birdbaths frequently. Residents are also urged to install or repair window and door screens. 3. Protect your animals: Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers like buckets, tires and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The City of Revere continues to work closely with DPH to monitor newly reported mosquito-borne disease cases in Risk of West Nile virus increases to moderate level By Adam Swift R evere is now one of 13 area communities considered to be at a moderate risk for West Nile virus. “The [state] Department of Public Health has identified four human cases, as of [Tuesday] of West Nile Virus,” said Lauren Buck, Revere’s Public Health Director. “They are all coming from Middlesex County within the last week and a half. Because of our location in marshland and our location to the positive cases of West Nile Virus, the risk level, which was previously at low, has been increased to moderate.” Given the hot, wet summer, Buck said, the increase in the risk level was not unexpected. She said the main mosquito species involved in the transmission of West Nile virus has increased statewide. “We continue this to continue to increase until we have our fi rst real frost,” Buck said. Due to the increase in risk, Buck said, the city has taken several public health measures, including raising awareness through a public email and providing an update on the city’s website. “We are reminding residents to use mosquito repellents with an EPA registered active ingredient, the area and continues to work closely with Northeast Mosquito Control in providing weekly mosquito spray treatment. Residents are encouraged to visit https://www.nemassmosquito. org/home/pages/spray-servicerequest-form. J& $45 yd. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. MULCH SALE! Discount Spring Special PICK-UP or DELIVERY AVAILABLE 617-389-1490 Premium Hemlock or Pitch Black BELOW WHOLESALE COSTS LANDSCAPERS WELCOME $4 yd. $40 yd. $3 yd. Register Online at: www.phunkphenomenon.com and to make sure they are aware of peak mosquito activity, which is at dawn and dusk,” said Buck. Other measures residents should take include draining homes and yards of standing water and talking to veterinarians about proper mosquito repellents and vaccinations for pets. The City of Revere is working with the Department of Public Health to monitor newly reported mosquito-borne disease cases in the area and continues to work closely with Northeast Mosquito Control in providing weekly mosquito spray treatment. Residents are encouraged to visit https:// www.nemassmosquito.org/ home/pages/spray-service-request-form to request a spray service in their area. “We will continue to be at risk for mosquito-borne illnesses until our fi rst signifi cant frost, so that is a couple more months, at least,” said Buck. “We will continue to keep an eye on that and continue to update [the Board of Health] with any West Nile Virus cases.” In 2020, there were 11 reported human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts, with no fatalities. Eight of those cases were in Middlesex County. OPEN HOUSE Saturday, Sept. 11th 11:00 am - 1:00 pm CLASSES OFFERED FOR FALL SEASON HIP HOP | BREAKDANCING MUSIC & DANCE APPRECIATION | SALSA CONTEMPORARY | SOUTHERN SWAG | DANCEHALL TAP | BABY BALLET | LITE FEET 1886 Revere Beach Parkway (above Popeyes & Dunkin Donuts) in Everett 617-389-9111 / For more information, email LILPHUNK2@AOL.COM FROM MTVʼS AMERICAʼS BEST DANCE CREW
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