Lynnfield Now Classified as Moderate West Nile Risk

The Lynnfield Board of Health announced Monday that the state has classified the town as a moderate risk level for West Nile Virus, following at least one positive test in a mosquito sample. Any further changes will be reportedly posted on the town website. 

In an announcement, the board of health noted that with the moderate risk, the DPH does not suggest that outdoor events be cancelled, but recommends various precautions and the use of insect repellent. 

"As early season sports activities begin, residents are reminded that mosquitoes are attracted to both body heat and carbon dioxide and both are produced in higher amounts during physical activity. Participants should be encouraged to use mosquito repellent to help reduce their exposure to mosquito bites," noted the Lynnfield Board of Health announcement. 

 Residents are also encouraged to practice source reduction:

• Drain buckets, barrels, tarps, and wheel barrows to avoid water accumulation

• Change the water twice each week in birdbaths and outdoor pet water dishes

• Keep rain gutters clean of debris

• Check children's outdoor toys for water accumulation

Lynnfield participates in a mosquito control program through the Northeast Mass Mosquito Control and Wetlands Management District (NEMMC). Both NEMMC and the DPH communicate with the Board of Health. The mosquito control efforts begin in spring with larvaciding followed by the setup of surveillance traps. DPH analyzes the mosquito samples for virus (both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis). Then, depending on the surveillance data, appropriate steps are taken.

There are many different types of mosquitoes and not all carry virus and not all are human-biters. Therefore the surveillance data is the key to the program. When virus is found, it is important to mobilize quickly. The NEMMC needs to be able to move quickly when it has the appropriate weather conditions and mosquito type to make their control effective.

Looking ahead, should the Town have an elevated risk determined by DPH and have strong recommendations by NEMMC to conduct spray efforts, the Board of Health will be ready to approve such measures and will communicate to residents such as by Code Red calls, posting on the Town’s website and updating the Board of Health telephone message. If the effort involves a school, applications and notification will be followed according to the school’s Integrated Pest Management plan.

Residents may wish to contact the NEMMC at 978-463-6630 or visit their website www.northeastmassmosquito.com for more info on mosquitoes and control activity; and the DPH at 617-983-6800 and website www.mass.gov/dph/wnv for info on health risk, virus and statistical data.