West Nile Detected in Mosquito Sample from Hicks-Logan Neighborhood

County to Conduct Additional Targeted Ground-Spraying

NEW BEDFORD – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) notified regional health officials today that West Nile was found last week in a mosquito sample in the city’s Hicks-Logan neighborhood.

The state’s local risk level for West Nile remains low, which indicates infection is unlikely. The sample was found in a primarily bird-biting mosquito. The location of the July 31 collection in New Bedford’s Hicks-Logan neighborhood does not diminish the possibility of mosquitos carrying the virus elsewhere in the city, as mosquito habitat is common throughout the region.

Residents are advised to take precautions during outdoor activities and remain vigilant throughout the summer months.

Accordingly, the Bristol County Mosquito Project will conduct additional targeted ground-spraying early Thursday morning, south of Interstate 195 and east of Route 18 / John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway. The spraying will supplement the county’s normal weekly ground-spraying, which occurs seasonally from early June through September and targets parks and other locations that host large public events. Sprayings occur every Thursday during the summer between 2 a.m. and sunrise, in locations around Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Taber, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Common Park, Ashley Park, Wing’s Court, Custom House Square, and other parts of Downtown.

Residents near targeted areas may want to close their windows in the evenings prior to spraying, before going to bed. In the event of inclement weather, spraying will be moved to early Friday morning.

The annual monitoring program sees crews place traps and collect specimens to monitor the mosquito population through the summer months. It also helps track whether any mosquitoes are carrying Eastern equine encephalitis or West Nile vi

West Nile virus is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease. It is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

Positive mosquito samples for West Nile are not uncommon in the summer months and have been found in numerous surrounding communities in recent weeks.

The New Bedford Health Department recommends these precautionary measures to help protect yourself from mosquito bites:

 

  • Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.

 

  • 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.

 

  • 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 2 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.

 

  • Drain Standing Water: 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 birdbaths frequently.
  • Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.

For more information and the state’s risk-level map, visit: http://www.mass.gov/info-details/Massachusetts-arbovirus-update