Second Worcester West Nile Sample Confirmed In Burncoat

WORCESTER, MA — State health officials have confirmed a second mosquito sample positive for West Nile virus this month.

A mosquito found in a trap in the Burncoat area tested positive for West Nile, a mosquito-borne virus that can cause illnesses ranging from a mild fever to more serious diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. The same trap in Burncoat produced a positive sample on July 13.

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will visit the Burncoat area Thursday for truck-mounted spraying to kill mosquitoes, if weather permits. The spraying will happen in an area bound by West Boylston Street, Fales Street, Quinapoxet Lane and East Mountain Street.

On top of spraying, city officials urged all city residents to take precautions during peak mosquito season, including using repellent containing either DEET or permethrin, and limiting outdoor activities during morning and evenings, when mosquitoes are most active. Residents should also drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

The state has detected West Nile-positive mosquito in Brookline, South Boston, West Springfield and Pittsfield. The risk of contracting West Nile — and Eastern Equine Encephalitis — was still "low" as of Thursday statewide, according to risk maps published by the state.