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City and state health officials recommend that residents take caution outdoors after a second mosquito sample in New Bedford tested positive for West Nile virus this week.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified city officials this week that a mosquito sample taken from the area near Buttonwood Park tested positive for the virus, the second mosquito sample to test positive in New Bedford in the past three weeks. This Saturday, a worker’s rights rally could attract hundreds to the area.
The news comes after state officials detected the first mosquito carrying West Nile virus in Massachusetts this year in June, prompting a new statewide risk assessment. Despite this week’s positive case, the risk level for West Nile virus in New Bedford, Acushnet and Fairhaven remains moderate.
West Nile virus can spread to humans via mosquito bite, causing illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious diseases like encephalitis and meningitis. According to the MassDPH, there were 19 human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts reported last year.
The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project continues to spray parks across New Bedford and the surrounding areas, including but not limited to Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, and parts of downtown. Sprayings occur every Thursday between 2 a.m. and sunrise.
The Mosquito Control Project also sprays individual residences upon request, although project Superintendent Priscilla Matton said that the residence program will wind down in the next week or two as temperatures lower.
However, Matton warned that residents should not mistake the recent crisp, fall-like mornings as signs that mosquitoes are no longer a risk.
“Mosquito activity is actually the highest in terms of risk for West Nile virus … now until the first frost, mid-August into September into the beginning of October,” Matton said. “We are in no way out of the woods in terms of mosquitoes.”
Going into the fall, Matton also recommended that residents be aware that shorter daylight hours change the times when mosquitoes are most active.
“In September, now, mosquitoes are going to be active much earlier, which could include those times that people might be getting home from work, and going out and barbecuing or going to a sporting event,” Matton said.
To reduce risk, the New Bedford Health Department recommends that residents take the following precautions:
- Be aware of peak mosquito hours: Mosquitoes’ peak biting times take place between dusk and dawn, meaning that residents should consider limiting outdoor activities in the evenings or early mornings.
- Wear protective clothing: When summer weather allows, long sleeves, pants, and long socks can reduce risk of mosquito bites.
- Apply insect repellent: Bug sprays with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are most effective, although be sure to follow instructions before applying on young children or infants.
- Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, so be sure to clear rain gutters, drains, and flower pots and change birdbaths regularly.
- Install or fix window screens: Make sure that windows, if opened, have tight-fitting screens to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.
Email Brooke Kushwaha at bkushwaha@newbedfordlight.org.
