West Nile Virus Found in More Pittsfield Mosquitos
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is advising residents to avoid mosquito bites and seal their homes as West Nile virus isolations continue to be detected.
On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported that West Nile has been found in mosquitoes collected at two different locations: two positive samples at Allendale Pines on Cheshire Road and one on Garland Avenue.
Director of Public Health Andy Cambi reported the city is still in a moderate threshold, "which supports recommending public health measures including raising awareness among residents, reminding residents to use mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient, and observing peak mosquito activity at dusk and dawn."
He added that the state DPH will continue enhanced surveillance activities in this region. Risk levels range from low to moderate, high, and critical.
It is recommended that residents use an insect repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus, wear long pants and socks when outdoors, and be aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn. To mosquito-proof a home, drain standing water, and install or repair screens.
West Nile is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While the virus can infect people of all ages, those over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
Early this month, there was an isolation on Garland Avenue and another on South Street near the Dan Fox Drive intersection.
Chris Horton, superintendent of the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, told the Board of Health that they were in a "juncture" in mosquito season. At the time of the Aug. 6 meeting, the city was in a "primary transition cycle," and the goal was to keep numbers as low as possible until the season was over.
The mosquito project has done more than 960 treatments over 42 acres this year. In April, the Board of Health approved a mosquito control plan that mimicked previous years, excluding adulticide spraying under normal circumstances.
Mosquito spraying was discontinued in 2021 and has been a contentious issue, with the City Council taking votes against it and residents polarized — some believing that the spray does more harm than good, and others arguing that it is necessary.
The city, working with BCMCP, is taking actions such as larvicide application, conducting targeted education programs, distributing fact sheets on WNV and reducing exposure to mosquitoes, and treating catch basins.
Tags: mosquito, West Nile,
