West Nile bearing mosquitoes have been found in Fall River. As a result, Mayor Sutter has announced that parts of the city will be sprayed in an effort to ward off the spread of the disease to humans.
According to The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) the West Nile virus (WNV) has been detected in mosquitoes collected from the area near St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
St. Patrick’s and the immediate areas around it will be ground-sprayed between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5 a.m. on Friday, August 21st, weather permitting. The spraying will be performed by the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project using a man-made pesticide product related to the natural components of the chrysanthemum flower, and also those found in other pesticide products used indoors in pet shampoo, lice treatments and on pets. The active ingredients of the pesticide product generally break down quickly and do not leave a toxic residue.
“As a precaution, all residents who live in the area should keep their windows closed and refrain from going outside between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. In addition, caregivers should ensure that children, elderly relatives and friends as well as pets follow these guidelines…”, Mayor Sutter says.
For more information on the West Nile Virus, EEE, spraying, and mosquito repellents visit the State Department of Health’s website: http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv
Comments are closed.