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WORCESTER, MA – The City's Department of Public Health coordinated with the Massachusetts Central Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) to spray an area of concern after West Nile virus was detected in mosquitoes collected at the site. Worcester. On July 5, health officials informed city authorities that West Nile virus had been detected in mosquitoes caught in both Worcester and Auburn. No human cases of West Nile have been reported to date.
The CMMCP will only spray in the designated area (see map here) on Thursday, July 12, after sunset, until midnight.
Follow these spraying precautions:
- Please close windows facing the street and keep pets between sundown and midnight if possible to allow more complete application. This type of pesticide is similar to those used for flea and tick control.
- Stay indoors during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
- Accidental exposure should not cause health problems in most people.
- No precaution is required the day after application as all residues will have evaporated.
- Residents with gardens are encouraged to wash vegetables before eating.
- There is no need to cover pools as the spray is an oil-based product and will dissipate quickly.
Residents have the option to refuse to spray in front of their property by visiting this site.
West Nile is most often transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. Although West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at greater risk of contracting a serious infection
Tips for avoiding mosquito bites:
- Mosquito Rush Hour – The hours that go from dusk to dawn are the most frequent peak hours for many mosquitoes. Consider postponing outdoor activities that take place in the evening or early in the morning. Otherwise, take extra precautions to use repellent and protective clothing.
- Clothing Can Help reduces mosquito bites. Although it can be hard to do when it's hot, wearing long sleeves, pants and socks on the outside will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Apply an insect repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridine (KBR 3023), IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used in infants less than two months of age and should be used at concentrations of 30% or less in older children. Lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used on children under three years old. Permethrin products are intended for use on clothing, shoes, mosquito nets and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.
Anti-mosquitoes Your house:
- Water – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Limit the number of places around your house for mosquitoes to reproduce by draining or disposing of objects that hold water. Check the gutters and drains. Empty unused flower pots and wading pools and frequently change the water of the bird baths. All properties should be maintained to prevent the formation of stagnant pools, which could be detrimental to public health by attracting and harboring mosquitoes and other insects. Properties with these conditions may be reported to the Department of Inspection Services through the City's Customer Service Center at 508-929-1300.
- Install or Repair Mosquito Nets – Some mosquitoes like to go inside. Keep them out by having well-fitted screens on all your windows and doors.
Photo via Shutterstock
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