Dear Parents/Guardians, October 10, 2013
As you may be aware, a horse tested positive for the West Nile virus in the town of Belmont, thereby raising the alert level to "high" in the town of Belmont and "moderate" in surrounding towns, including Canterbury. Our school nurses and administrators have consulted with the New Hampshire Department of Human Services Department of Communicable Disease Control and Surveillance to assure we are following the most current recommendations. There are no additional precautions recommended beyond the usual precautions for mosquito borne viral illnesses. Those guidelines are outlined for you below.
Prevention Guidelines:
- Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations.
- Protect yourself and your children from mosquito bites.
If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. Repellent containing 30% or less DEET are recommended for use by children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer's directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been determined to be effective.
Belmont High School will make insect repellent available to students participating in after school sports practices and all practices and games will stop at dusk. Outdoor PE classes will continue during school hours.
Further information regarding West Nile Virus and other mosquito borne viral illnesses may be found at www.dhhs.nh.gov/dphs/cdcs/arboviral/ As always, feel free to contact Mrs. Rubbe with any health related questions or concerns.
Thank You,
Sue Rubbe, RN
School Nurse
267-6525 ext 321
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