North Attleborough officials report that mosquito samples collected from the northeastern quadrant of town recently tested positive for West Nile Virus.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Commonwealth notified the North Attleborough Health Department that mosquito samples from the town tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). There have yet to be any confirmed cases of WNV in humans or animals in town.
While some samples tested positive for WNV, North Attleborough’s risk level remains low, meaning infection is unlikely.
West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus that is commonly carried by mosquitoes and can cause mild illness to more severe diseases like encephalitis or meningitis. Community members should note that people won’t become infected via direct contact with infected people, birds, or animals.
While most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms, a small number will develop symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, rash and swollen lymph glands. Less than 1% of people infected with WNV will develop severe illness, including encephalitis or meningitis.
Community members can take several steps to protect themselves from contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, such as:
- Avoid outdoor events or activities between dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes are the most active.
- Protect from mosquito bites by wearing long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks while outdoors.
- Use a mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535 or lemon eucalyptus oil. Check age restrictions to ensure the repellent is safe for children. Permethrin products should only be used on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Do not use permethrin on skin.
- Protect the home from mosquitoes by ensuring all screens are properly secured to doors and windows and repair any holes that may be found.
- Remove any standing water that may attract mosquitoes, including:
- Empty or dispose of containers that may regularly collect water on your property.
- Drill small holes at the bottom of trash or recycling containers so water can drain.
- Clean clogged roof gutters to promote the flow of rainwater.
- Change water in your birdbaths or ornamental ponds.
- Ensure that your pools are clean and properly chlorinated.
Community members are also encouraged to take precautions to protect their animals from contracting mosquito-borne illnesses, including:
- Flush out water troughs at least once a week reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas.
- Keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes.
- Consult a veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for animal use and vaccinations to prevent WNV.
- If you suspect your animal has WNV, contact the Department of Agricultural Resources Division of Animal Health at 617-626-1795 or the Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800.
North Attleborough residents can also request residential adulticide spray from the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project (BCMCP) to help reduce mosquitos in their yards. BCMCP will use Duet, an EPA-approved reduced-risk adulticide approved for use in Massachusetts. To make a request, residents can call (508) 823-5253, fax (508) 828-1868, or e-mail a spray request to RequestBristolMCP@comcast.net.
Anyone with questions or concerns about mosquito-borne illnesses is encouraged to contact the health department at 508-699-0100 Ext. 2560.
