Health & Fitness
West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester Mosquitoes, Spraying Scheduled
There will be a wide-area pesticide spray in the city on Tuesday.
WORCESTER, MA — More mosquito samples in Worcester have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a news release from the city.
The West Nile Virus was found in mosquitoes collected from a trap site. The city is assuring residents that the risk level remains moderate and no human cases have been reported.
In response to the findings, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will conduct a wide-area pesticide spray on Tuesday. It will happen after 9 p.m., where the WNV-insects were found.
Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The following areas will be sprayed:
- Brookfield Street
- Concord Street
- East Boundary Avenue
- Faraday Street
- Grove Street
- Humboldt Avenue
- Lancaster Street
- Lancaster Terrace
- Lexington Street
- Magnolia Avenue
- Milton Street
- North East Avenue
- North Street
- Powers Court
- Prescott Street
- Rumford Avenue
- Rural Drive
- Sagamore Road
- Salisbury Street
- South Boundary Avenue
- South East Avenue
- Tuckerman Street
- Upper Avenue
- West Boundary Avenue
- West Circular Avenue
Find out what's happening in Worcesterfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
During that time, residents are advised to close windows and turn off any outside air settings on air conditioners. Additionally, the city is asking residents to stay in and keep their pets inside during the spray.
To avoid mosquito bites and the diseases they carry, residents are encouraged to practice the 5 Ds:
- Dress in long sleeves and pants when possible.
- Deet is an effective insect repellent.
- Dawn and Dusk are the most active periods for mosquitoes.
- Drain water from containers weekly.
Most people infected with the West Nile Virus will have no symptoms, but some could experience fever or flu-like illness. In the most severe cases, the virus can be deadly.
There were 19 human cases reported in Massachusetts last year.
The state confirmed the first animal case of the West Nile Virus for this year in July. That was after a goat was exposed to the virus in Lunenburg.
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