• Avoid mosquito bites: Apply bug spray when outdoors and be aware of peak mosquito hours. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

• Mosquito-proof your home: Drain standing water such as rain gutters and drains, empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently. Residents are also urged to install or repair window and door screens. Tightly-fitting screens on all windows and doors will best effectively prevent mosquitoes from getting inside.

• Protect your animals: Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as 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 Chelsea will continue to work with the Department of Public Health to monitor the risk level of mosquito-borne diseases in the community and surrounding areas. More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.