New Bedford: Mosquito from Buttonwood Park area tests positive for West Nile Virus

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito sample from the Buttonwood Park area of New Bedford, according to a statement from the office of Mayor Jon Mitchell.

According to New Bedford city hall Public Information Officer Jonathan Darling, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the city of the positive test result in the insect.

Darling said that the infected mosquito is a primarily “bird-biting mosquito” and that the West Nile risk for the New Bedford area remains moderate.

The Buttonwood Park area is sprayed on a weekly basis by the Bristol County Mosquito Project, according to Darling.

This spraying will run through September.

The New Bedford Department of Health recommends the following to help protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: While mosquitoes are out at all hours of the day, their peak biting times are from dusk to dawn. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites: Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent When You Go Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET (N, N- diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under 2 months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.
• Drain Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or Repair Screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tight-fitting screens on all windows and doors.