Public reminded to take simple precautions against mosquitoes

Additional mosquito pools in Boston have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). Tests performed on September 11th confirmed a WNV-positive mosquito pool in Roxbury for the second time this season. Mosquito pools in Brighton, Mattapan, West Roxbury, South Boston, Roxbury, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain and Roslindale tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) this summer. The WNV alert level remains at moderate.

While there have been no recorded human cases of mosquito borne illnesses in Boston this year, BPHC officials encourage residents to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites. These steps include using insect repellent when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting and, when possible, wearing long sleeves and pants. People should also mosquito-proof their home by making sure that their window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting into the house.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, the Boston Public Health Commission advises people to turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water; dispose of or cover old tires; and cover swimming pools when not in use.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, but it poses very low risk to most people. The risk can be further reduced by following simple safety measures.

The City of Boston, in partnership with the Suffolk County Mosquito Control Project, has placed larvicide in catch basins and wetlands throughout Boston, a process designed to reduce the mosquito population. The agency also conducts targeted, truck-mounted aerosol spraying in certain areas of the city for the same purpose.