Melrose at Risk for West Nile Virus

Melrose is at a moderate risk level for West Nile Virus after mosquitoes in the city were recently diagnosed with the virus.

Melrose joins Malden, Medford, Reading, Cambridge, Somerville and Boston as area communities to have mosquitoes test positive for the virus this year. Melrose has held a moderate risk level in the past.

Mosquitoes which carry the virus tend to breed in catch basins and in standing water as opposed to wetlands. The treatment of catch basins in Melrose is already underway.

Here’s a list of things one can do to protect themselves from the disease, according to the Melrose city officials:

• Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors
• Weather permitting, wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors during peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn)
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens outdoors
• Repair window and door screens in your home
• Dump standing water twice weekly
• Be aware of stagnant water on private property (e.g. unused swimming pools)—these should be reported to the Melrose Board of Health at 781-979-4130.

Residents are encouraged to check the Department of Public Health’s website on a regular basis to determine in the risk level has changed.