Another West Nile Virus Mosquito Found in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed another West Nile virus-infected mosquito sample in the city.
On Friday, Pittsfield announced there was an isolation on outer West Street near Lillybrook Road. Last week, two isolations of WNV were found at the Pittsfield-Richmond town line on Route 41 and the other at Garland Avenue.
There are currently no confirmed human cases of WNV, but residents are encouraged to take preventative actions. According to a risk map provided by the MDPH, Pittsfield is now at moderate risk for WNV.
WNV 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 WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.
Berkshire County had early virus activity; Clarksburg saw the state's first WNV mosquitoes of the season in June. Pittsfield had a positive WNV sample later that month in a spot with repeated occurrences near the Pittsfield Cemetery.
Pittsfield, through the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, continues larvicide application, conducting targeted education programs, distribution of fact sheets on WNV and on reducing exposure to mosquitoes, and treating catch basins.
In 2021, the former City Council voted to opt out of adult mosquito control spraying.
Earlier this month, Chris Horton, superintendent of the mosquito project, told the Board of Health that he doesn't envision the WNV positives amplifying, and the peak transmission weeks are at the end of August and early September.
Tips to Avoid Mosquito Bites
-
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.
-
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.
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
Tips to Mosquito-Proof Your Home
-
Drain Standing Water: Many 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 water in birdbaths frequently.
- Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.
Additional information about WNV and reports on current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
Tags: West Nile,
