Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Chelmsford

CHELMSFORD, MA — The Massachusetts Department of Health has notified the town that a mosquito trap in the Crabapple Lane area has tested positive for West Nile Virus.

"Although mosquito populations have declined with cooler weather, residents are encouraged to continue protecting themselves from mosquito bites until the first hard frost," the town said in a statement. "Due to cooler evening temperatures, mosquito spraying is no longer an effective method for reducing adult mosquito populations at this time of year."

Residents can reduce their risk by:

• Using insect repellent when outdoors

• Wearing long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk

• Repairing window and door screens

• Eliminating standing water around their property

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will be spraying for mosquitoes Wednesday and Sept. 29.

More information on West Nile Virus is available by clicking here.

More information on mosquito spraying is available by clicking here.