Third Mosquito in Pittsfield Tests Positive for West Nile Virus
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed a third positive result of West Nile Virus (WNV) in weekly samples of mosquitoes collected by the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project in the City of Pittsfield.
The sample was taken in the vicinity of Allendale (Cheshire Road).
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's WNV Risk Map, Pittsfield's WNV Risk level has now elevated to moderate. This means "infection with WNV is likely or has occurred" in humans. It is important to note that at the time of this release, we have no confirmed human cases of WNV but encourage residents to take the following actions:
- Be prepared, know your risk and visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update regularly.
- Repair screens & clean up to rid of mosquito breeding sites.
- Be aware of stagnant water on private property (e.g., unused swimming pools) and consult with the local health department.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn when weather permits.
- Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens.
- Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn.
- Dump standing water twice weekly.
- Remove areas of standing water around your home twice a week.
For more information, contact the Pittsfield Health Department at (413) 499-9411 or contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at (617) 983-6800 or toll-free at (888) 658-2850, or on the MDPH Arbovirus website at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.
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