West Nile Virus Risk Level Raised to High in Watertown and Surrounding Areas

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The Watertown Health Department sent out the following information:

We have been advised that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is raising the West Nile Virus Risk level for Watertown and surrounding communities to high. This means that the risk of contracting West Nile Virus is increased and persons over 50 and the immunocompromised are at greater risk for severe illness.

They should take precautions and limit their activity outdoors during peak mosquito periods (dusk to dawn). Residents should also eliminate all standing water in their yards and remove any receptacles that can collect and hold water.

Also apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.

DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. 

Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

Let us do our part to reduce our risk of contracting West Nile Virus in Watertown.

West Nile Risk Map

3 thoughts on “West Nile Virus Risk Level Raised to High in Watertown and Surrounding Areas

  1. just a friendly reminder: Permethrin is safe near dogs, but is extremely toxic to cats. Even trace amounts could be deadly for a cat. Avoid using it around cats and wash hands/ change clothes before touching your cat if used

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