WORCESTER – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health informed the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health that mosquito samples in the Burncoat area led to a positive test for West Nile Virus.
In response, the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project [CMMCP] will conduct a spraying operation on Thursday, September 16, from 8 PM to midnight in the area of West Boylston Street, Fales Street, Burncoat Street, Quinapoxet Lane and East Mountain Street. Find details on the full spraying area on the Central Mass Mosquito Control website.
The Division of Public Health and CMMCP advise the following precautions for residents in these areas:
- Close street-facing windows and keep pets inside between sunset and midnight if possible to allow a more thorough application. This type of pesticide is similar to ones used for flea and tick control.
- Remain inside during the application and for 15-20 minutes afterwards.
- Accidental exposure is not expected to cause any health concerns in most people.
- No precautions are needed the day after the application as all residues will have evaporated.
- Residents with gardens are advised to wash off vegetables before consuming them.
- There is no need to cover pools as the spray is an oil-based product and will dissipate quickly.
- Any “outside air” controls on older window unit air conditioners should be turned off.
Residents can opt out of spraying in front of their property by visiting the Mass.gov website. Residents who wish to opt out should do so as soon as possible.
The Mass.gov website also provides additional information about ground spraying.
DPH advises these simple steps residents can take to protect against mosquito born illness:
- Use insect repellents any time you are outdoors
- Wear long-sleeved clothing
- Schedule outdoor activities to avoid the hours from dusk to dawn
- during peak mosquito season
- Repair damaged window and door screens
- Remove standing water from the areas around your home
