West Nile Virus has been detected in Berlin, Clinton and Lancaster
Spraying has occurred in Clinton and Lancaster; some spraying in Berlin Monday
As of Friday, Aug. 3, West Nile Virus has been detected in Clinton, Berlin and Lancaster, according to the Mass. Department of Public Health. There have been 104 mosquitos in the state that have tested positive for the virus, but no animals or humans have tested positive.
One mosquito collected from the Ridgefield Circle area tested positive. The collection was done July 19. Spraying was done soon after.
In Lancaster, spraying was done Aug. 2 in the southern part of town, bordering Clinton.
In Berlin, spraying in the western part of town, where the infected mosquito was found, is planned for Monday, Aug. 6. Roads include Gates Pond, Jenkins Drive, Lola Driver, River Road East and Shady Lane. More roads could be added, so check after 3 p.m. at: https://www.cmmcp.org/home/pages/tentative-spray-areas.
West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The people most at risk of severe infection are over 50.
The state Board of Health shared some of the Department of Public Health's tips to avoid mosquito bites:
• Be aware of peak mosquito hours, which are dusk to dawn. If you are outdoors and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellent.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites, including long sleeves, long pants and socks.
• Apply inspect repellent, particularly one with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under age 3. Permethrin is intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes and camping gear and should not be applied to the skin.
The DPH advises residents to mosquito-proof their homes:
• Drain standing water. Many mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
For information about West Nile and reports of current and historical activity, go to the PDH website, http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. For more information, call the Clinton Board of Health at (978) 365-4116, or the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project at (508) 393-3055.