Take precautions to prevent mosquito bites

The City of Newton urges sports teams using local playing fields to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can bite at any time, and may carry West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Both are serious diseases that can be prevented by following these steps:
• Use mosquito repellent. Choose a repellent with DEET permethrin, or picaridin and follow label directions carefully.
• Limit time spent outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are most active, but remember mosquitoes can bite during daytime hours too.
• Wear long sleeved shirts, pants and socks when possible.
Additionally at home:
• Make sure screens are repaired and are tightly attached to doors and windows.
• Remove standing water from ditches, cutters, old tires, flower pots, wading pools and any container that holds water.
For more information about mosquito repellents, West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis, call the Newton Health & Human Service Department at 617-796-1420 or visit www.newtonma.gov.