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West Nile found in Worcester mosquitoes, spraying Thursday

  • Posted by Worcester News Thu at 6:24 AM - Filed in News - #Worcester  #Mass. Department of Public Health  - 607 views



    WORCESTER — West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected near Lake Ave. in Worcester, prompting state and local officials to schedule truck-mounted mosquito spraying in parts of the city on Thursday, July 16th, weather permitting.

    The Mass. Department of Public Health announced the positive mosquito sample, and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project will conduct pesticide applications in the area of Lake Ave, where the infected mosquitoes were found. Additional tentative spraying dates have been scheduled for August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, although those dates could change depending on weather, mosquito populations, virus activity or special events.

    City officials said Worcester's West Nile virus risk level remains low. Residents can view the affected areas on an accompanying map and may request that their property be excluded from wide-area pesticide applications through the Mass. Department of Agricultural Resources.

    The city plans to notify residents in neighborhoods scheduled for spraying through email, text messages and social media. Officials encouraged residents to keep their ALERTWorcester contact information up to date to receive notifications about mosquito control efforts and any future emergency spraying.

    Residents in areas being sprayed are advised to close street-facing windows, turn 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. Officials said accidental exposure is not expected to cause health problems for most people, although those with chemical sensitivities should consult their physician if they have concerns.

    Health officials also reminded residents to reduce mosquito exposure by wearing long sleeves and pants, using insect repellent containing DEET, avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and draining standing water from containers around their homes.

    While most people infected with West Nile virus have no symptoms, some may develop fever or flu-like illness, and people over age 50 face a greater risk of severe infection. State officials said five human cases of West Nile virus had been reported in Massachusetts in 2025.

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