Mosquitoes in Holyoke test positive for West Nile Virus

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – West Nile Virus (WNV) has been detected in a recent sample of mosquitoes in Holyoke.

The City of Holyoke alerted residents on Wednesday through its emergency notification system. In the message, additional monitoring for West Nile Virus will be conducted in Holyoke. The virus can infect people of all ages but people over 50 are at a higher risk of infection. Symptoms include flu-like illness however most people have no symptoms.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s risk map indicates that there have been 251 mosquitoes that tested positive for WNV and two human cases have been detected so far this year. Parts of Hampden County are in the moderate risk level which means, infections are likely or have already occurred. The mosquito sampling from Holyoke was from July 23rd.

Communities in Hampden County in Moderate Risk of WNV

• Blandford
• Holyoke
• West Springfield
• Agawam
• Chicopee
• Springfield
• Longmeadow
• East Longmeadow
• Wilbraham
• Hampden

Hampshire and Franklin Counties are not listed as at risk of WNV infection.

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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