West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes in Marlborough

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MARLBOROUGH – Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were confirmed in a surveillance trap set by Central Mass. Mosquito Control Program (CMMCP) in the northeastern part of the City of Marlborough.

Working with the Marlborough Board of Health, CMMCP will spray these areas by truck after sunset on Wednesday, September 22.

The areas to be sprayed are shown on the Board of Health website and can be found by clicking here: https://www.marlborough-ma.gov/…/eee-west-nile-virus….

If you are located in these areas, stay inside and keep your windows closed between the hours of sunset and midnight, if possible.

To opt out of future spraying, click here: https://www.mass.gov/…/request-for-exclusion-from-wide…

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The Marlborough Board of Health is encouraging residents to Avoid Mosquito Bites by Practicing the Following:

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours – The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.

• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.Mosquito-Proof Your Home

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• Drain Standing Water – Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Recorded information about WNV is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).

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