Mosquitoes in East Longmeadow test positive for West Nile Virus

EAST LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – For the first time this year, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in a recent sample of mosquitoes in East Longmeadow, and Friday night we’re hearing from the experts about the risk.

According to the East Longmeadow Health Department, positive mosquito samples were identified in Blackstone, Clinton, East Longmeadow, and Natick. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s risk map indicates that there have been a total of 16 mosquitoes that tested positive for WNV and 9 that tested positive for EEE.

1. June 25: Quincy (2)
2. July 2: Rockland
3. July 9: Raynham
4. July 9: Edgartown
5. July 9: Cambridge
6. July 9: Hanson
7. July 9: Blackstone
8. July 11: Natick
9. July 11: Clinton
10. July 15: East Longmeadow
11. July 16: Wayland
12. July 16: Middlebourgh (2)
13. July 16: Pembroke
14. July 16: Scituate

No human cases have been detected so far this year. However, last year there were six human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

The virus can infect people of all ages but people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of infection. Symptoms include flu-like illness however most people have no symptoms.

The Director of Public Health for West Springfield, Jeanne Galloway told 22News what precautions to follow. “Just minimize your chances outdoors when it’s mosquito biting season. Use EPA approved insecticides that are approved for mosquitoes. You can wear long sleeves, long pants, things that you don’t need to use insecticides for, and just be aware of your surroundings as well and what you’re doing,” said Galloway.

Tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• When outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and socks.
• Use a repellent with DEET according to the instructions on the product label.
• Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing holes in screens and making sure screens fit tightly to doors and windows.
• Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home twice a week to eliminate sources of mosquito breeding.

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