State raises West Nile risk levels for New Bedford

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said the risk level for West Nile Virus is now “high” in New Bedford, Acushnet, and Dartmouth.

City officials said that Bristol County Mosquito Control Project is extending the seasonal ground-spraying program from Sept. 12 to Sept. 19, with the final spraying targeting public parks.

The city added that it is recommending people who are older than 50 or immune-compromised to limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, from dusk to dawn.

Recommended precautions the public can take to prevent mosquito exposure include emptying standing water around homes, using approved insect repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing when outdoors, particularly from dusk to dawn.