Health & Fitness
West Nile Virus In Worcester: Mosquito Spraying Coming To City
Mosquitoes tested positive for the disease in the Burncoat area, according to health officials.
WORCESTER, MA — The Burncoat area in Worcester will be treated for mosquitoes on Wednesday after two of the bloodsuckers tested positive for West Nile virus in that area, according to health officials.
The two positive samples were among 45 from across the state so far this summer, according to the state Department of Public Health (DPH). Worcester is still considered a "low risk" community for West Nile transmission, according to DPH.
Spraying on Wednesday will take place in northern Worcester along West Boylston, East Mountain, Fales and Burncoat streets, and Quinapoxet Lane. The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) typically uses a product called Zenivex E4 to control adult mosquitoes. The pesticide is considered a low risk to humans and pets, although city officials advise residents to stay away from spraying trucks.
"Zenivex is an insecticide that contains synthetic pyrethroids, which emulate naturally occurring insecticides known as pyrethrums, found in chrysanthemum flowers. This pesticide kills mosquitoes effectively, yet biodegrades rapidly in the presence of sunlight and/or microorganisms," the CMMCP says of the product.
Mosquitoes spread West Nile by biting humans. The virus typically causes mild flu-like symptoms, but can lead to more serious ailments like encephalitis and meningitis, according to DPH.
State and local health officials have feared that higher rain totals this summer could lead to an increase in the mosquito population, resulting in more mosquito-borne illnesses. To date, DPH has not detected any mosquitoes in Massachusetts carrying the more deadly Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).
