SHREWSBURY, MA — Local health officials are asking residents to take additional precautions against mosquitoes following an increase in the regional risk of West Nile virus.
The Central Massachusetts Regional Health Department advised Shrewsbury residents on Thursday to use insect repellent, limit time outdoors around dawn and dusk, wear protective clothing and remove standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
Residents should frequently empty water from birdbaths, gutters, flowerpots, toys and pet dishes, the department said. Officials also recommend EPA-approved repellents containing DEET, permethrin, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
This comes as mosquito samples in neighboring communities have tested positive for the West Nile Virus.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected from two different trap sites in Worcester this month, while mosquitoes collected in Marlborough also tested positive for the virus.
The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project is responding to residential concerns and conducting targeted treatments in Shrewsbury. Neighborhood spraying is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25, though dates may change because of weather or mosquito activity.
The agency will also hold a free mosquito education event from 6 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Shrewsbury Public Library, 609 Main St. The session will cover mosquito biology, local control methods and personal protection measures.
The event will be held in Community Rooms A and B and is open to all ages. Registration is optional but recommended, and refreshments will be available.
Residents experiencing heavy mosquito activity or seeking a property assessment may call the mosquito control project at 508-393-3055 or visit the agency's website.
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