Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Tewksbury

TEWKSBURY, MA — Mosquitoes captured in Tewksbury have tested positive for West Nile Virus.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recently informed the town that mosquitoes collected through the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project tested positive for the virus.

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The project will continue surveillance and to treat larvicide in catch basins in town.

Mosquitoes in other communities in the region have also tested positive for the virus, according to the town.

Residents should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites including using repellant and eliminating any standing water near homes.

The town has coordinated with the mosquito control project to spray designated areas Thursday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight.

The following streets will be sprayed:

• Bligh Street
• Blue Spruce Lane
• Bonnie Lane
• Brentwood Road
• Captain Circle
• Cardigan Road
• Catamount Road
• Cayuga Road
• Dike Court
• Grammys Way
• Greylock Road
• Heather Row
• Kendall Road
• Lancaster Drive
• Leighton Lane
• Livingston Street
• Lynnes Way
• Magna Vista Circle
• Meredith Road
• North Street
• Overlook Drive
• Pennacook Road
• Pinnacle Street
• Scenic Drive
• Sheffield Road
• William G Drive

Residents in these areas should:

• Close street-facing windows and keep pets inside between sunset and midnight if possible to allow more thorough application. The type of pesticide is similar to the ones used for flea and tick control
• Remain inside during the application and 15 to 20 minutes afterwards
• Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people
• No precautions are needed the day after the application
• Residents with gardens are advised to wash off vegetables before consuming them
• There is no need to cover pools as the spray is an oil-based product and will dissipate quickly
• Any "outside air" controls on older window unit air conditioners should be turned off

More information is available by clicking here.