West Nile Virus Facts

West Nile Virus hasd been found on Massachusetts' North Shore

It's official - West Nile Virus has made it to the North Shore.  Here's a run down on what you need to now, how to identify symptoms of infection what to do if you feel you have been infected. While no symptoms appear in most people infected with West Nile Virus, those that do show symptoms could be in serious jeopardy. West Nile virus is spread by mosquitos that host the virus, so your best bet to avoid infection is to prevention.  There is currently no vaccine for the virus.

Prevention

While some towns will actively take steps to reduce the mosquito populations in a given area with spraying, there are things we can do as individuals that will greatly reduce the chances of contracting the disease:

  • Wear mosquito repellent outdoors
  • Wear pants and long sleeve shirts
  • Keep window screens in good repair
  • Stay away from swamps, ponds, marshes and other natural sources of shallow standing water
  • Be vigilant, or stay inside, at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active
  • Patrol your property and neighborhood for standing water - a mosquito breeding ground.
    • Empty containers that have standing water
    • Turn over buckets that can catch rain water
    • Make sure any boats on dry land have the drain plug pulled
    • Empty old tires of water, and keep them dry
    • Keep your pool a chemistry in balance and well chlorinated

Symptoms of West Nile Infection

West Nile Virus incubates from 2-15 days, with headache being the most prominent symptom. West Nile causes many kinds of illness including fever, encephalitis and meningitis. At-risk populations are the elderly, the very young and those with compromised immune systems.

  • Serious Infection
    • Symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent.
    • Symptoms
      • high fever
      • headache
      • neck stiffness
      • stupor
      • disorientation
      • coma
      • tremors
      • convulsions
      • muscle weakness
      • vision loss
      • numbness and paralysis
  • Mild Infection
    • Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for several weeks.
    • Symptoms:
      • fever
      • headaches
      • body aches
      • nausea
      • vomiting
      • swollen lymph nodes
      • rash on chest, stomach and back

Treatment

There's no specific treatment for West Nile Virus. Mild cases will pass like the flu can last longer than a typical flu infection. More serious cases will require hospital support and care.  Seek medical attention immediately should you show signs of serious infection, and use your judgement on milder infection symptoms! Pregnant women and nursing mothers are encouraged to talk to their doctor if they develop symptoms that could be WNV.

Pediatric Dentistry, Dentist, Braces, Pediatric Dentist, Braces, Orthodontist, Boston, Malden

Todd Farm Market

Come to Todd Farm on Sunday - A classic New England Fleas Market in Rowley Massachusetts!
From early Spring to late Fall, Todd Farm is a great Sunday destination for families!  Head to the farm and explore the outdoor award-winning Market featuring up to 240 vendors from all over New England and New York!
5:00 am to 3:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Beverly YMCA Rhino Run 10k

North Shore Beverly YMCA 'Rhino Run' 10k Beverly Massachusetts.
Join North Shore YMCA and the Beverly YMCA host the 'Rhino Run 10k'. North Shore YMCA reinvests millions of dollars each year through financial assistance and scholarships to ensure thousands of families and individuals in the 25 communities we serve have access to programming, services and the...
Where: Lynch Park
9:00 am

April Vacation at MIT Museum

Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
Where: MIT Museum
10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Home & Food Truck Show | Topsfield

Home and Food Truck show at the Topfield Fairground in Massachusetts
The annual Topsfield Home & Food Truck Show is ALL INDOORS with FREE admission and FREE parking. Come speak to leading home industry professionals about your spring home projects. Don't Forget to Enjoy the Food Trucks!
10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Aleppo Shriners Circus

Aleppo Shriners Circus in Wilmington Massachusetts is a great time for the whole family!
Fun for the whole family! Let us help you make memories this April Vacation with a show they won't forget!The all-new Aleppo Shriners Circus thrills during April school vacation week. Enjoy elephant rides, clown photos, and all sorts of exciting acts - right up close.
10:00 am to 10:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Monday, April 28

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sing & Dance with the Music Man

Sing & Dance with the Music Man Brian Doser in Hamilton visit Massachusetts
Come join the fun at Community House Of Hamilton & Wenham Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at 10am for 30 - 45 minutes of great music with Brian Doser! Sing and dance with the Music Man during a family concert, featuring familiar and original tunes, performed by local dad and musician,...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Tuesday, April 29

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Swan Boat Rides in Boston Public Garden

Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Music Together - Tuesday in Marblehead

Marblehead, Beverly Farms, Hamilton, Salem, Peabody Music Together
Music Together® is a research-based music & movement program for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and the grown-ups who love them. Music Together® of Salem classes make it easy for parents/primary caregivers to play a crucial role in activating their child's music development. Classes are 45...
10:00 am to 10:45 am

Gloucester Gratis Days at Hammond Castle

Bring your kids to the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester Massachusetts during April Vacation
In keeping with John Hays Hammond, Jr's original vision for his seaside castle-home to serve as a museum offering the Gloucester community access to ancient works of architectural art, Hammond Castle Museum will offer Gloucester residents free, self-guided tours each Tuesday throughout the regular...
10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Barnyard Story Hour at Appleton Farms

Kids can meet the barnyard animals and hear a story at Appleton Farms in Ipswich Massachusetts.
Barnyard stories really come alive when you get to see the main characters in real life! Bring the kids down to Appleton Farms for our farm-fresh version of story time. Explore the farmstead, visit our learning garden, see our cows and rabbits, and find a spot to play under a shady tree in our...
10:30 am to 11:30 am

Chess Club at Salem Public Library

Salem Public Library hosts a weekly chess club for all ages on Tuesday evenings.
Salem Public Library the library is hosting weekly chess nights where players of all ages can play and learn from each other.  Whether you're new to the game or a veteran player, all skill levels welcome, and basic instruc
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Wednesday, April 30

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm