Wellesley Girded Against EEE, West Nile Virus

Wellesley hasn't had any cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus, though the Health Department recommends avoiding mosquitos, just in case.

Lenny Izzo, Wellesley Health Department's Enviromental Health Agent, said the department purchases larvicide pellets in biodegradable packets that the DPW puts in all the catch basins each spring. That kills any mosquitos that might be breeding in those spots, he said. Also, the town is part of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project, which sprays area wetlands in April and May to control mosquito populations. 

There's no sign of EEE or West Nile virus in Wellesley, Izzo said, and there hasn't been in the years since the illnesses have become a danger in the state. Nonetheless, he said, it doesn't hurt to protect yourself against mosquito bites during the times when they are most active in the early morning and at night. Izzo advised wearing mosquito repellant and making sure your arms and legs are covered.

The Wellesley Health Department has posted a release about protecting yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses at its website.

More information is available on the DPH website: www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Information about West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis is also available by calling the DPH recorded information  line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).