Wilmington Will Spray Thursday After Third West Nile Case

WILMINGTON, MA -- Wilmington officials will spray again on Thursday night after the Massachusetts Department found West Nile virus in mosquitos collected in Wilmington for the third time since August 15. The most recent sample was detected in mosquitos collected in the Fay Street wetland area.

Last week, the town confirmed the discovery of the virus in mosquitos taken in the Nunn Road wetland areaoff of Adams Street.On August 15 the town confirmed that mosquitos collected on August 7 in the wetland area near Suncrest Avenue had tested positive for West Nile. That test was also followed by spraying for mosquitos in Wilmington.

West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans by bites from mosquitos commonly found throughout Massachusetts. While about 75% of the people infected with West Nile experience no symptoms, about 20% of people develop a fever, headache, vomiting, or a rash. In rare cases the infection can be fatal. The virus is particularly dangerous for people over the age of 50.

The Wilmington Board of Health posted the following reminders on preventing mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents
• Wear long-sleeved clothing
• Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours around dawn and dusk
• Repair damaged window screens
• Remove standing water from the areas around your home

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Patch file photo via Shutterstock.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).