WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has detected West Nile Virus (WNV) in mosquitoes collected from two locations in Worcester: one at Rural Cemetery, which had previously tested positive in July, and another near Chilmark Street.
As a result, the city’s WNV risk level has been raised to moderate, though no human cases have been reported.
In response, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) conducts truck-mounted pesticide applications on Wednesday, Aug. 7, after 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.
If spraying is postponed due to weather, it will be rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 8. The spraying covers the previously treated area and a segment of Shrewsbury Street, as shown on the map above.
Residents can opt out of property spraying during wide-area pesticide applications by following the instructions on the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources website.
Residents are advised to observe the following precautions if their area is being sprayed:
- Close street-facing windows and turn off any “outside air” settings on air conditioners.
- Keep pets inside between sunset and midnight, and do not let children play near or behind truck-mounted applicators when they are in use.
- Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
- Wash off any vegetables from home gardens after spraying and before consuming them.
Accidental exposure to the pesticide used is not expected to cause health concerns for most people. However, individuals with chemical sensitivities or preexisting health conditions should consult their physician and take necessary precautions. Pets are also unlikely to be affected, as the pesticide is similar to those used for flea and tick control.
Residents in areas scheduled for spraying will be notified via email, social media, and text. To receive these alerts, ensure your contact information is up-to-date on ALERTWorcester. Additional alerts will be sent if mosquito-borne illnesses are detected, necessitating emergency spraying.
To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they can transmit, residents are encouraged to practice the “5 Ds:”
- DRESS in long sleeves and pants when possible. Cover up during periods of mosquito activity.
- DEET is an effective insect repellent. Always follow the label instructions.
- DAWN & DUSK are mosquitoes’ most active periods.
- DRAIN water from containers weekly. Avoid standing water, such as rain collecting in open bins, buckets, or toys.
Insect repellent-treated clothing is available, and permethrin can be applied to treat clothing manually. Installing and repairing screens can help keep mosquitoes out of homes.
While West Nile Virus (WNV) can affect people of all ages, but those over 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. Most infected individuals have no symptoms, but some may experience fever and flu-like illness, and in rare cases, severe illness.
The Worcester Division of Public Health (WDPH) collaborates with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and other agencies to monitor WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases. If a case is detected in the city, WDPH Nursing staff will follow their regular case management procedures.
For more information, visit the MDPH website or call the MDPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. Suspected cases of WNV or Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in animals should be reported to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795, and to MDPH at 617-983-6800.
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