MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough health officials are warning residents after West Nile virus was confirmed in mosquitoes collected in the city.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced the detection, and Marlborough is coordinating with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to spray designated areas after 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are common across Massachusetts and can be found in urban and rural areas.
While West Nile virus can infect people of all ages, people over age 50 are at higher risk of severe infection, according to the Marlborough Board of Health.
The designated spray area includes Allis Road, Bemis Road, Berkeley Street, Beverly Drive, Bolvin Drive, Brigham Street, Comtois Drive, Danjou Drive, Dartmouth Street, Desimone Drive, Farm Road, Framingham Road, Goodnow Lane, Holm Street, Maple Street, Mill Street Central, Mill Street North, Mill Street South, Plymouth Street, River Street, South Street, South Street Extension, Walker Street and Woodridge Road.
Residents are advised to use mosquito repellent when outdoors, wear long sleeves and pants when possible, avoid outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn, drain standing water and make sure window and door screens are in good condition.
Questions can be directed to the Marlborough Health Department at (508) 460-3751.
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