revised 17-August-07
Graphs showing mosquito
population pre and post spraying are available here:
Graph 1 ~ Graph 2
A narrative describing
this operation is now available (.pdf): Marlborough 2007
ULV spray areas done on
August 1, 5 & 8, 2007 can be viewed here: http://www.cmmcp.org/ulvaugust3.htm
(no spraying was done Aug. 3 due to thunderstorm activity).
THE EXPANDED SPRAY PROGRAM FOR WEST NILE VIRUS IN
NORTHWESTERN MARLBORO HAS CONCLUDED FOR THE TIME BEING.
Additional spraying is
not planned at this time, initial results have shown mosquito populations
have been reduced, and additional mosquito testing has not identified new
virus activity at this time.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT WHILE
THE RISK FROM WEST NILE VIRUS MAY HAVE BEEN LOWERED TO SOME EXTENT; IT IS
NOT AT ZERO RISK; RESIDENTS NEED TO BE AWARE THAT WNV MAY STILL BE IN THE
AREA, AND TO USE PERSONAL PROTECTION MEASURES (SEE BELOW) TO FURTHER REDUCE
YOUR EXPOSURE AND LOWER YOUR RISK FROM MOSQUITOES. WNV WILL CONTINUE TO BE A
THREAT UNTIL FREEZING TEMPERATURES BECOME PREDOMINANT IN THE AREA.
On July 26, 2007 the
Mass. Dept. of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed that a bird collected on July
24 tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The Central Mass. Mosquito
Control Project coordinated with MDPH and placed additional surveillance
traps in the area the bird was found. CMMCP also expanded its treatment of
catch basins in that area to reduce the larval population of Culex species
and other mosquito species that prefer these areas for larval development. No
spraying in this area was done at that time. A press release from MDPH was
sent to all media outlets.
On August 1, 2007
MDPH confirmed that a collection of adult Culex mosquitoes collected July
30 tested positive for West Nile Virus. See press releases.
Areas around the
surveillance trap are planned to be sprayed after sunset between 9pm and
midnight on the evening of August 1, 2007 in coordination with the
Marlborough Board of Health. A map of the intended spray areas is posted
here: http://www.cmmcp.org/marlboroaug1.jpg.
The product used for spraying by CMMCP is called sumithrin (d-phenothrin), and is
the same product used by MDPH in southeastern Mass. last year for the aerial
spraying event. Additional treatments in the same area may be planned for the
evenings of August 3 and 5. Please check this link for a map of the areas
done August 1: http://www.cmmcp.org/marlboroaug1a.jpg.
Additional notifications will be posted on our website and using our phone
system.
In 2006, there were
three human cases of WNV, with no fatalities. While WNV can infect people of
all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected
mosquito.
Question about spraying and mosquito control can be
found on the MDPH website here: http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/faq_mos.htm
Personal
protection measures have an important role to play in monitoring for WNV and
protecting themselves and their loved ones.
Avoid Mosquito Bites – Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours –
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes.
Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early
morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
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, Ndiethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin
(KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus [pmethane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according
to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on
infants under two 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 three years of age. Permethrin should only be applied on
clothing according to label directions, never directly on the skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your
Home – 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 tightly-fitting screens on
all of your windows and doors.
Report Dead Birds – Dead crows, blue jays or robins may be a
sign that WNV is circulating among the birds and mosquitoes in an area. Call
1-866-MASS WNV to report a dead bird. By reporting dead birds, you can play
an important role in monitoring WNV.
More information is available on the DPH website at
http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv/wnv1.htm.
Information about WNV and
EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV
(1-866-627-7698).
For more information please call CMMCP at (508)
393-3055
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