West Nile detected in New Bedford mosquito sample

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that West Nile Virus was detected in a sample taken from the New Bedford Business Park area.

The sample was collected on Aug. 7. and was “found in a primarily bird-biting mosquito.”

The City of New Bedford said that, in reaction to the detection, the Bristol County Mosquito Project will additional targeted ground-spraying in the Far North End to supplement the normal weekly spraying.

The city added that residents near targeted areas may want to close their windows in the evenings prior to spraying.

The Department of Health recommended “heightened preventative measures” including emptying standing water around homes, using approved insect repellents, and wearing appropriate clothing when outdoors, particularly at dawn and dusk.

West Nile was also detected in a mosquito sample in Blackstone.