West Nile Virus, EEE Found in Norwood Mosquitoes

NORWOOD-On Tuesday the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the first West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) positive tests on mosquito pools in Norwood, a press release from the Norwood Health Department said.

"Both positive tests appeared in primarily a bird biting species of mosquito," the press release states. "Different types of mosquitoes bite different animals. The positive samples were in species that bite birds. While this is less of a threat to humans it still provides Public Health Officials with the information that the virus is circulating in the area."

The mosquito trap was located near the Westwood border in the Northwest part of town. According to the Health Department, the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project has increased ground spraying in the neighborhoods around the wetlands near Father Mac’s. Spraying takes place on Thursdays in Norwood, and requests to have your property added to the spray route can be made online or by phone.

Earlier this season and this week

West Nile can infect people of all ages, but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. The disease is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE is also transmitted to humans from a mosquito bite but is a very rare disease. Symptoms include a high fever, stiff neck, headache and lack of energy. The Norwood Health Department advises residents .