Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Mosquitoes can spread germs that can make you very sick and may even cause death. Protect yourself and your loved ones by avoiding mosquito bites. To protect yourself and others:

• Use bug spray when outdoors
• When outdoors, wear long sleeves and other clothing to help reduce mosquito bites
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (sunset to sunrise)
• Remove standing water from around your home (in bird baths, tires, bottles or cans) so mosquitoes can’t breed there
• Install or repair door and window screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home

Information about West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is available by calling the Massachusetts Department of Public Health information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968) or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

Learn more >>

Keep Your Kids Safe — Prevent Falls from Windows

According to a report by the Center for Disease Control, every year, an estimated 9.2 million children visited emergency departments for unintentional injuries. Falls were associated with over half of the nonfatal injuries involving children less than one year of age. With warm weather fast approaching, windows in homes all across Massachusetts will be open, inviting not only breezes but curious children who may not know they could be in danger of falling out of them.

Make the windows in your home safe for your children by installing safety bars on windows higher than the ground floor. Keep in mind that if you childproof your windows, they need to be easily opened by an adult in case there is a fire. If your windows do not have safety bars, keep them locked when children are present. Windows should be opened from the top to allow for air circulation and don’t forget to keep all furniture away from the windows to prevent children from climbing up onto the sills.

Download Tips to Prevent Window Falls (PDF) | RTF

Learn about the Injury Prevention and Control Program >>