West Nile Virus Found in Shrewsbury

The larvicided a catch basin on North Quinsigamond Avenue yesterday where the West Nile Virus was found in town.

"It was found during a routine check for the virus," said Shrewsbury Bob Moore. "The town has a contract with Central Massachusetts Mosquito, so they larvicided the area."

Moore said the town does not spray the town for the West Nile Virus. "That is not the best way to eliminate the virus," he said. "When you larvicide the area, it gets rid of the larvae in the water and kills only that, not anything else."

The West Nile Virus was found near Fyrbeck Avenue on North Quinsigamond, which is one of the areas that are checked throughout the season.

"It was found this week and we larvicided yesterday," said Tim Deschamps, executive director of Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control.

The West Nile Virus was also found in Auburn and Worcester within the last two weeks.

The following tips are recommended for preventing the West Nile Virus:

• Wear protective clothing in the evening and early mornings if working outside.
• Spray yourself with bug repellent if working outdoors during the early morning or evenings.
• Turn over or drain any standing water on your property and place containes upside down, so water does not fill—that attracts mosquitos.

For more information or to have your yard sprayed by the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control, call 508-393-3055. The town has a contract with Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control and there is no cost to residents to have their property tested or sprayed.