Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have been detected in Worcester, prompting targeted pesticide spraying this week in an effort to reduce the risk of transmission.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that the virus was identified in mosquitoes collected from a trap site in the city. No human cases have been confirmed in Worcester, and the city’s West Nile virus risk level remains classified as low, according to the city.
In response to the detection, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project plans to conduct truck-mounted pesticide spraying on Thursday, July 16, weather permitting, in the general area where the infected mosquitoes were found. Additional mosquito control operations are tentatively scheduled for Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, although those dates could change depending on weather, mosquito activity and other conditions.
City officials said residents living in neighborhoods scheduled for spraying receive notifications through ALERTWorcester by email, text message and social media. Residents who are not already enrolled are encouraged to register with the city’s emergency notification system to receive updates.
While the discovery of infected mosquitoes has prompted additional mosquito control efforts, officials stressed that the finding does not indicate that a human has been infected. According to the announcement, the Worcester Division of Public Health will continue working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other agencies to monitor mosquito-borne illnesses and would follow its normal case management procedures if a human case is identified.
Most people infected with West Nile virus never develop symptoms. Others may experience fever or flu-like illness, while severe disease is uncommon but occurs more frequently in adults over age 50, according to the announcement.
Residents in areas scheduled for spraying are advised to remain indoors during the application and for 15 to 20 minutes afterward, keep pets inside between sunset and midnight, close street-facing windows, turn off outside-air settings on air conditioners and wash vegetables from home gardens before eating them.
The city also encourages residents to reduce mosquito breeding by draining standing water around their homes and to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when practical, and limiting outdoor activity during dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
According to the announcement, five human cases of West Nile virus have been reported statewide this year.
More information about mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis, is available through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
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