West Nile Virus Found In Worcester Mosquito Sample

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to correct information provided to Patch by the City of Worcester. The West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitoes collected from a trap site in Worcester. A human case has NOT been confirmed at this time.

WORCESTER, MA — West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected from a Worcester trap site, prompting planned mosquito spraying in part of the city.

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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health found the virus in mosquitoes collected from a trap site on Willow Street, but no case has been confirmed in a person at this time and Worcester’s risk level remains low, according to the city.

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project has scheduled truck-mounted pesticide applications after 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, weather permitting.

The spraying will focus on the area near where the positive mosquito sample was found, according to the city. The planned spray area includes these streets:

Beaver Brook Parkway, Circuit Avenue East, Circuit Avenue North, Clive Street, Columbus Street, Dewar Drive, Enfield Street, Englewood Avenue, Fairfield Street, Ferdinand Street, Fern Street, Friedel Street, Genoa Street, Hiscox Street, Hobson Avenue, Isabella Street, Lisbon Street, Lovell Drive, Lovell Street, Lovell Terrace, May Street, Maybrook Place, Mayfair Street, Maywood Street, Minthorne Street, Northridge Street, Roy Street, Stevens Road, Thayer Street, Wharton Street and Willow Street.

Residents may opt out of having their property sprayed during wide-area pesticide application by following instructions through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, according to the city.

The mosquito control project is also tentatively planning to be in Worcester on Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26 to respond to mosquito-related concerns from residents. Requests for limited-area truck spraying may be considered on those dates, depending on weather and mosquito conditions. No aerial spraying is planned.

Residents in areas being sprayed are advised to close street-facing windows, turn off outside-air settings on air conditioners, keep pets indoors between sunset and midnight, remain inside during spraying and for 15 to 20 minutes afterward and wash garden vegetables before eating them.

Officials also advised residents to reduce mosquito exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, using insect repellent, avoiding outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active and draining standing water from containers.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus do not develop symptoms, though some may develop fever or flu-like illness. Severe illness is rare, but people over 50 are at higher risk, according to Worcester health officials.

More information is available here.

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