West Nile Virus Detected In Worcester Mosquitoes, Spraying Scheduled

WORCESTER, MA — More mosquito samples in Worcester have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to a news release from the town. The risk level for WNV in the city remains moderate.

A sample of human-biting mosquitoes in the Burncoat neighborhood has tested positive for West Nile Virus. As a precaution, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will conduct a wide-area pesticide spray on Thursday, Sept. 11, after 7:00 p.m.

The following areas will be sprayed:

• Ashburnham Road
• Barnard Road
• Belvidere Avenue
• Burncoat Park Road
• Burncoat Street
• Burncoat Terrace
• Clearview Avenue
• Davidson Road
• Kenwood Avenue
• Merton Road
• Millbrook Street
• North Parkway
• Park View Drive
• Wawecus Road

A full map can be found here.

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 have been four confirmed human WNV infections this season, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

“Given how many mosquitoes have been found carrying West Nile virus this summer, we expected that there would be human infections this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season, which is likely still many weeks away."

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