North Andover Sprays For Mosquitoes After Positive West Nile Virus Test

NORTH ANDOVER, MA -- Northeast Mosquito Control was scheduled to spray in the northern section of North Andover Monday evening after the town recorded its first case of West Nile virus in mosquito testing. Spraying had been originally scheduled for last week but was postponed because of rain.

Town health officials noted in a release that the spray being used was safe for humans and pets. The town planned to spray all areas north of the 495/Mass Ave ramp, up Mass Ave to Salem Street where it turns onto Dale Street and then along Dale St to the Boxford Line between 7:45 and 9 pm Monday.

A sample of mosquitoes collected August 29 tested positive for West Nile. There have been 260 positive mosquito tests in Massachusetts this year since monitoring began June 12, up from 189 in all of 2016. In addition, a Bristol County man in his 50’s tested positive for the virus last week and was hospitalized. Last year there were 16 reported human cases of West Nile.

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While West Nile in humans often goes undetected. But children and people over 50 are most susceptible to the virus, which is most commonly transmitted from humans by bites from species of mosquitoes that are common in Massachusetts. About one out of every five people infected with the disease develop a fever and other symptoms, according to the Center for Disease Control. In about one out of 150 cases, the patient develops severe symptoms that can be fatal.

Health officials warned North Andover residents to take precautions through the remainder of mosquito season. Among their recommendations:

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk until dawn.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants and socks when outdoors.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET.
• Drain standing water in and around homes.
• Repair or replace torn and broken window screens.

Mosquito photo by Alvesgaspar vis Wikimedia Commons.