City of Northampton Public Health Notice Town of Southampton Public Health Notice West Nile Virus (WNV) Confirmed in Mosquitoes Collected from Northampton and Southampton August 1, 2013 CONTACT: Merridith O’Leary, R.S., Director of Public Health, City of Northampton (413) 587-1215 Adam Kinney, Public Health Agent, Town of Southampton (413) 529-1003 healthagent@town.southampton.ma.us The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from Northampton, Massachusetts and Southampton, Massachusetts. WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state, and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones: Avoid Mosquito Bites 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. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant. Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. 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.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water – Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
The Northampton Health Department and the Southampton Health Department will continue to monitor the situation, work closely with MDPH and other agencies and continue to update and educate the public. Information about Arbovirus disease, surveillance, and reports of current and historical WNV and EEE virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website ator by calling (617) 983-6800.
Test Report No. SH9088202-1/CHEM DONGJUE SILICONE (NANJING) CO., LTD. NO.196, FUYIN EASTERN STREET, QIAOLIN, PUKOU DISTRICT, NANJING CITY, JIANGSU PROVINCE, CHINA THIS REPORT IS TO SUPERSEDE TEST REPORT NO.SH9088202/CHEM DATE: 2009/05/18 The following sample(s) was/were submitted and identified by/on behalf of the client as: Sample Name Sample May Cover : NE-20, NE-131, NE-141, NE-
VOTING OPENS FOR THE COSTA SHORT STORY AWARD! Over 1800 entries received Submissions were judged anonymously Winner to be voted for by public at www.costabookawards.com and announced at Costa Book Awards ceremony Voting opens today and closes at midday on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 Tuesday 27th November 2012 : Voting has opened today for the inaugural Costa Short Story