PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A mosquito sample collected in Pittsfield has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
First human case of West Nile Virus reported in Hampden County, second in the state The sample was taken from the area around Pittsfield Municipal Airport, as part of routine monitoring efforts. This marks the first positive test result for WNV in the city this season.
While no human cases of WNV have been reported in Pittsfield as of now, city officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illness.
“It’s best to stay away from dusk to dawn times when mosquitoes are most active wear long clothes items such as sleeves, and pants that will help protect you as well as use things like DEET or bug spray that may prevent the mosquito bites,” said VP for Medical Affairs at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Dr. Sunny Shukla.
While there have been no confirmed human cases in the city…. there have been two in the state with one in Hampden County. 22News spoke to a health expert about reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illness.
He says about 80 -percent of people have mild or almost no symptoms. Typical symptoms are vomiting and body aches.
The Pittsfield Health Department has released a series of recommendations for residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Wear Protective Clothing: When outdoors, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks. While this can be uncomfortable during hot weather, it is an effective way to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use Mosquito Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent according to the manufacturer’s instructions, especially during peak mosquito activity times, which are typically dawn and dusk.
- Secure Your Home: Ensure that window and door screens are intact and free of holes to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water. Residents are encouraged to take the following actions to reduce mosquito breeding sites around their homes:
- Inspect the area around your home for containers that can collect water, such as flower pots, buckets, and toys, and regularly empty them.
- Clean clogged gutters and remove debris to allow proper drainage.
- Turn over wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Change the water in birdbaths every few days, and consider aerating ornamental ponds or stocking them with fish.
- Maintain swimming pools by keeping them clean and properly chlorinated, and remove standing water from pool covers.
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