Winchester Workers Fight West Nile Virus With New Legislation

Local government workers are now able to help combat the spread of the West Nile Virus.

The legislation will allow municipal public works employees and seasonal workers to apply relatively non-toxic pesticides into storm drains and catch basins to control the Culex mosquito population.

Culex mosquitos are carriers of the West Nile Virus.

The legislation was signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick in one of his last acts as Governor.

It is important for communities to be equipped with the necessary tools to combat serious diseases like the West Nile Virus, said Senator Jason Lewis.

Municipal offices once again have the authority to use these pesticide tools to safeguard the public health of its residents, Lewis said.

Public works employees were allowed to use pesticides from 2001 to 2009, but the Department of Agricultural Resources did not renew the authorization in 2010, which meant only licensed professionals were authorized to use the pesticide applicators.

The policy was restored by health advocates and municipal officials due to a surge in West Nile Virus cases in recent years, according to a press release from the Office of State Senator Jason Lewis.

Municipalities will be able to prepare for the 2015 mosquito season right away due to the law immediately taking effect.

“Restoration of the catchbasin larviciding permit will allow the state and municipalities to respond quickly if we experience a recurrence of the events of 2012 when state officials recognized by early July that a high risk of West Nile Virus was developing,” said David Henley, superintendent of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project.

The passage of this legislation will improve public health now that local governments have the power to issue protective measures against mosquitoes, said Jennifer Murphy, the director of the Health Department for the Town of Winchester.

“This prevention service will be provided in a timely, cost-effective and safe manner, and is a critical step in protecting public health by reducing the risk of these mosquito-borne diseases,” Murphy said.