Mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus detected in Worcester

The first detection of West Nile virus in Massachusetts was made earlier this month.

West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Worcester, officials said Tuesday.

The Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project said mosquitoes carrying the virus were detected in the city’s Grove Street section on Tuesday. A pesticide will be sprayed by a mounted-truck in the area of Rural Cemetery after sunset on Thursday, the group said.

“It’s important to note that spraying can reduce but not eliminate the threat of mosquito-borne illness in the areas that are sprayed,” the project said. “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.”

The first detection of West Nile virus in Massachusetts was made earlier this month in Quincy. Since then, the virus has also been detected in 27 mosquito samples in the state, according to the Department of Public Health.

Health officials warn that people over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for severe disease from West Nile virus. Symptoms for the infection include fever and flu-like illness, but most people who contract the virus will have no symptoms.

In 2023, there were six human cases of West Nile virus in Massachusetts, according to state health officials. So far in 2024, there have been no human or animal cases.