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West Nile found again in Worcester mosquitoes

  • Posted by Worcester News Jul 21 - Filed in News - #Worcester  - 935 views

    WORCESTER — Worcester officials announced a second detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes this summer, prompting truck-mounted mosquito spraying in parts of the city on Thursday, July 23rd, weather permitting.

    The Mass. Department of Public Health said the virus was detected in mosquitoes collected at a Worcester trap site. The city's overall West Nile virus risk level remains low, but the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project is scheduled to conduct pesticide spraying Thursday in the general area where the infected mosquitoes were found.

    The latest detection comes one week after the city's first confirmed West Nile-positive mosquito sample of the season was identified near Lake Ave. More information on that earlier detection is available here.

    The mosquito control project also has tentative spraying dates scheduled for August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Officials said those dates could change depending on weather, mosquito populations, virus activity or other operational needs.

    Residents who wish to exclude their property from wide-area pesticide applications may request an opt-out through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. The city said residents in affected neighborhoods will receive notifications through ALERTWorcester, social media and email or text alerts.

    Officials recommend residents in spray areas close street-facing windows, switch 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 vegetables from home gardens before eating them.

    To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, health officials continue to encourage residents to follow the "5 Ds": dress in long sleeves and pants, use DEET-based insect repellent, avoid outdoor activity during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and drain standing water from containers around homes.

    Most people infected with West Nile virus develop no symptoms, although some experience fever or flu-like illness. Adults over age 50 face a greater risk of severe disease. According to the city, five human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Massachusetts in 2025.

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