Mosquito Threat Remains For Bristol County

Mayor Jon Mitchell's office announced on Wednesday that West Nile Virus was detected in a mosquito sample collected in the Washburn St. area of New Bedford.

Priscilla Matton, the Superintendent of the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project, told WBSM News that while this particular species of mosquito, culex pipiens restuans or the Northern House Mosquito, is known to attack birds, it is still a threat to humans.

"It is primarily a bird biter but it does bite mammals, including people," said Matton "not as frequently as our other species but i does have the potential, so there is a concern."

This announcement also comes after the Labor Day Holiday and the beginning of the school year with many considering the summer to be over and with it the threat of mosquitoes.

However, Matton says mosquito activity doesn't die down until the first frost and that threat from mosquitoes remains high.

"We are just in the peak of the mosquito season and it's very important for people to take precautions now," said Matton "especially when school has started because when are your kids out? They're out at dusk and dawn, they're out waiting for the bus or they're out after school playing games and playing sports."

The Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will be conducting targeted spraying in New Bedford early Friday morning.

Targeted areas include Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Tabor, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Park, Ashley Park, the Poor Farm area, Custom House Square and the Washburn St. area.

The spraying will take place between 2 a.m. and sunrise weather permitting.

Matton says an additional round of spraying, targeting the Washburn St. area will take place Monday morning.