After positive West Nile test, Millville sprayed
MILLVILLE — The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) was scheduled to spray several neighborhood streets in the southern part of town Monday night after mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were confirmed last week in a surveillance trap set July 24 by the CMMCP on Hope Street.
A spokesman for the CMMMP said catch basins were treated in that area to stop emergence of mosquito species that can carry the virus, and that additional surveillance traps have been set up to gauge population density and determine if additional virus can be isolated.
Streets targeted for truck-mounted ultra-low volume
spraying after sunset Monday included Afonso Way, Albert Drive, Albion Street, Bazeley Avenue, Bow Street, Central Street, Chesley Street, Diana Circle, Domenic Street, Hope Street, Hurteau Road, Ironstone Street, Joe’s Way, Miller Street, Paulette Way, Prospect Street, Quaker Street, Ronden Road, Snow Street, Summit Street, Suzette Circle and Tina Road
Although no residents have yet tested positive for the virus, health officials are asking residents to take preventative measures like using bug spray to avoid getting bitten and draining standing water near homes.
“It’s important to note that spraying can only reduce but not eliminate the threat of mosquito-borne illness in the areas that are sprayed,” the CMMMP said in a statement. “That’s why it’s important for individuals to continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites both before and after any spraying is conducted.”
Millville is the third nearby Worcester County town to confirm the virus in trapped mosquitoes. Last week, mosquitoes with the virus were confirmed by the CMMCP near Turbesi Park in the southern part of Blackstone.
West Nile Virus has also been identified in recent weeks in Hopedale, Ashland, Clinton, Devens, Northbridge and Worcester.
West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis. It was first identified in the United States in 1999.
The virus is carried by certain species of mosquitoes that pick it up after biting infected birds. The virus is mainly transmitted between birds by mosquitoes. Occasionally, mosquitoes may also transmit the virus by biting humans and other mammals. Most human WNV infections are not associated with any symptoms or are associated with only mild, flu-like symptoms.
Occasionally, however, severe human infection may occur, which in some cases can be fatal. The elderly, in particular, are at risk.
In 2017, health officials said there were six human cases of WNV infection in Massachusetts.
“The first WNV positive mosquito sample is often identified in Massachusetts during the last week in June,” said Massachusetts Department of Health Deputy State Epidemiologist Dr. Catherine Brown. “Risk for human infection generally builds through the season with peak risk occurring in August.”