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The Pittsfield Board of Health is recommending the resumption of mosquito spraying after two samples of West Nile virus were reported; a third sample came up positive on Friday.

Pittsfield's West Nile Risk Elevated; Council Asked to Resume Spraying

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With three cases of West Nile virus found in recent sampled mosquitos, the City Council on Tuesday will tackle requests to resume adulticide spraying.

On the agenda is a petition from Ward 4 Councilor James Conant requesting to repeal the action that eliminated spray applications for the control of adult mosquitos and that the Board of Health and Conservation Commission develop guidelines and protocols on spraying.

There is also a petition from Director of Public Health Andy Cambi asking the City Council to rescind the vote of no spraying in Pittsfield and review the Berkshire County Mosquito Control program.

Earlier this month, the Board of Health voted to urge the council to resume spraying to prevent human infection. Two years ago, the council voted to opt out of spraying adulticide against the board's recommendation.

There was said to be a "disconnect" between health officials and the city on the health issues. 

Most people don't develop any symptoms from a West Nile infection, but in those who do, it can result in fevers, rashes and nausea or more severe symptoms such as inflammations, convulsions or even paralysis. There is no cure. 

Those who opposed the spraying say the chemical toxins used to kill the mosquitos were themselves a health and environmental hazard and that the low incidence of West Nile and eastern equine encephalitis didn't necessitate the risk.

In the last two weeks of July, two mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile. One was located in the Elm Street and William Street area and the other was in the city center near Wahconah Park.

On Friday, a third mosquito tested positive for WNV in the vicinity of Cheshire Road and the city's risk level was elevated to moderate, meaning that human infection has likely occurred. At the time, there was not a documented case of human WNV.

In his communication to the council, Cambi relayed the information that was given to the Health Board from the mosquito control project's Superintendent Chris Horton during its Aug. 2 meeting.


"Due to the large amounts of precipitation, there has been an increase in the mosquito breeding
conditions. Larval control in wetlands and catch basins have not been as effective because of the
flooding conditions. An influx of flood species has emerged in different collection areas around the city.
These species are primary vectors and bridge vectors for West Nile Virus," he wrote.

"There have been two positive samples of West Nile Virus in the mosquitos collected within two different locations in Pittsfield. This is significant as small samples of mosquitoes are tested, a positive indicates the disease is amplified. Because of these conditions the Board of Health requests the City Council to rescind the vote that was taken in April 2021 and allow adult control spraying."

Cambi also requested that the council comprehensively review the entire mosquito program with the Board of Health present.

"The goal is to have shared discussions to implement a proactive integrated mosquito management plan. I hope these requests can be discussed at the August 15, 2023, City Council meeting," he wrote.

Residents are urged to take precautionary measures that include repairing screens on homes, cleaning up mosquito breeding sites, being aware of stagnant water on private property, wearing long sleeves and pants from dawn to dusk, using netting on baby carriages and playpens, wearing repellent, and mitigating areas of standing water.

Though the city opted out of adulticide spraying, the pre-emptive larval control and catch basin operations have remained.


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State Fire Marshal: Fall Back Safely

STOW, Mass.—With the end of daylight savings time coming on Nov. 3, Massachusetts fire officials issued a seasonal reminder to check smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms and change the batteries when changing clocks.

"Working smoke and CO alarms are vital to your safety at home," said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine. "As we 'fall back' this weekend, protect yourself and the people you care for by putting fresh alkaline batteries in alarms that use them and replacing alarms that are out of date."

Today's smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have the manufacturing date printed on the back of the device. Smoke alarms should be replaced after 10 years, and CO alarms should be replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions – usually 5, 7, or 10 years, depending on the model. Unless you have newer alarms with 10-year sealed batteries, this is also a good time to replace the alkaline batteries in all your alarms. And remember to test your smoke and CO alarms once a month to be sure they're working properly.

Heating Season Brings Carbon Monoxide Hazards

Foxborough Fire Chief Michael Kelleher, president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of working carbon monoxide alarms as we enter the colder months.

"Carbon monoxide is a leading cause of poisoning deaths in the United States, and heating equipment is the main source of carbon monoxide in the home," Chief Kelleher said. "We can't see, smell, or taste carbon monoxide. Working CO alarms are the only way to detect this invisible killer."

Replacement Alarms Should Have Sealed, Long-Life Batteries and a Hush Feature

Replacing your old single-station smoke alarm? Choose alarms that have sealed, long-life batteries and a hush feature. This makes it less likely that someone in the home will use the batteries for another device, forget to change them twice a year, or remove them when cooking causes smoke in the kitchen.

"Disabling a smoke alarm puts you, your loved ones, and everyone in the building at risk," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "Never remove batteries from a smoke alarm except when putting fresh ones in."

Alarms Should Be Listed by an Independent Lab

Massachusetts requires that all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Intertek (ETL). Listed devices will have the laboratory's mark on the back. In recent years, fire officials have seen numerous smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that were purchased online and either have counterfeit marks or no mark at all.

"Smoke and CO alarms can be the difference between life and death, but only if they work properly." said Chief Kelleher. "When you purchase a new alarm, choose one from a well-known, national brand. We've seen many alarms that were purchased online and don't meet the safety requirements of our State Fire Code. If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is."

Create & Practice a Home Escape Plan

"Changes to building construction and furnishings mean we have less time to escape a fire at home than ever before," said State Fire Marshal Davine. "You could have just three minutes to get out safely."

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