PITTSFIELD, Mass. — West Nile Virus has been found in a mosquitoes collected in the city.
The Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project regularly monitors mosquito populations and tests for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus. The state Department of Public Health has confirmed that one sample found the presence of West Nile.
A truck-mounted spray will be applied from 10 p.m. until midnight on Tuesday, Aug.. 23 on the streets within a one-mile radius of Garland Avenue. In the case of rain, the spraying may be pushed back to Wednesday evening.
Residents can request for their property not to be sprayed by contacting the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project at 413-447-9808 or through berkmc@bcn.net.
The city has issued the following recommendation for protection against the virus.
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West Nile Virus is most commonly spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito borne illness is to take the following precautions:
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When outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks.
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Use a repellent with DEET according to the instructions on the product label.
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Keep mosquitoes out of your house by repairing holes in screens and making sure screens fit tightly to doors and windows.
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Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
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Remove areas of standing water around your home to eliminate sources of mosquito breeding.
