MARLBOROUGH – West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the city.
While the Health Department continues to work closely with the state’s Department of Public Health and other agencies, locally the city is working with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to treat stormwater catch basins, deploying additional mosquito traps, and implementing localized spraying to be executed on Thursday, July 25, between 8:30 p.m. and midnight.
A rain date is scheduled for the following night.
To have your property opted out from this, and all future sprayings, visit https://www.cmmcp.org
To view the map of the areas/streets to be sprayed, visit www.marlborough-ma.gov
This year, 153 mosquito samples have been tested for WNV in Middlesex County, and four samples were positive. Marlborough has had one WNV positive mosquito sample identified.
WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
Avoid mosquito bites
Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
Mosquito-proof your home
Drain standing water – many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change water in bird baths frequently.
Install or repair screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
