For Immediate Release: 8/2/2019 10:26 am
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has informed city officials that West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Worcester. No human cases of West Nile have been reported.
The City of Worcester Division of Public Health and the Department of Inspectional Services have coordinated with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to spray a designated area of concern on Tuesday, August 6 (Plantation St./Hamilton St. area – spray map) after sunset, up until midnight.
Residents within these areas should follow these spray precautions:
Residents have the ability to opt out of spraying in front of their property by visiting this link on the state’s website. Those wishing to opt out of the spraying program should do so online as soon as possible. A fact sheet from the state on ground spraying of mosquitoes for West Nile Virus is available here.
West Nile is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. While West Nile can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
The City of Worcester has partnered with the CMMCP to offer comprehensive mosquito control services and programs throughout the City.
Together with the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health and the Department of Inspectional Services, CMMCP will provide education about mosquito biology and personal protection, mosquito surveillance, ditch maintenance, research, tire recycling, beaver control, water mitigation and mosquito spraying. CMMCP staff will evaluate locations for trapping and testing in addition to working with the Department of Public Works & Parks on mitigating mosquito breeding areas in catch basins.
The public is urged to practice the Five D’s of prevention: Avoid being outdoors during DAWN and DUSK, when mosquitoes are most active; DRESS in long-sleeved clothing; use insect repellent with DEET; and DRAIN any standing water from around your home.
Tips for Avoiding Mosquito Bites:
Mosquito-Proof Your Home:
Information about West Nile Virus and reports of activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website.
For more information on the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project, including information on spraying and requesting service, please visit www.cmmcp.org or contact them directly at 508-393-3055.