Second New Bedford Mosquito Sample Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) —  Another mosquito sample collected in New Bedford has tested positive for West Nile Virus, prompting officials to ramp up spraying and urge precautions against potentially dangerous bites

The mosquito was collected on July 31 in the city's Hicks-Logan neighborhood, adjacent to Route 18, the same collection site where West Nile was found in a mosquito a week earlier.

The good news for humans is that the sample was found in a primarily bird-biting mosquito and the risk of contracting West Nile remains low, according to a City of New Bedford news release.

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That release went on to stress that people shouldn't let down their guards:

"The location of the July 31 collection in New Bedford’s Hicks-Logan neighborhood does not diminish the possibility of mosquitos carrying the virus elsewhere in the city, as mosquito habitat is common throughout the region."

Protection Against Mosquito Bites

It's just about impossible to avoid mosquitoes completely, but the New Bedford Health Department recommends you take precautions:

Limit outdoor activity during peak mosquito hours, dusk to dawn. Wear strong repellent (with DEET) and protective clothing (including long sleeves, pants and socks), especially if you spend a lot of time outside. Drain standing water in flowerpots, wading pools, birdbaths, gutters, drains and elsewhere, which are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Install and repair screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from making themselves at home.

Mosquito Spraying in New Bedford

In light of the July 31 discovery, the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will target the Hicks-Logan area with extra ground spraying in the early morning hours (2 a.m. to sunrise) of Thursday, August 8.

READ MORE: Do Mosquitoes Bite You More If You've Been Drinking?

The spraying will take place south of I-195 and east of Route 18 and will supplement the county's normal weekly spraying, which runs from June to September in parks and other locations that host large public events.

Residents near targeted areas should close windows prior to spraying, which is moved to early Friday morning in the event of bad weather.

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus is a mosquito-carried virus that can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious disease. It is most commonly spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito.

West Nile and Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as EEE, are often detected in Massachusetts communities during the summer.

Carver had its first EEE sample of the year in July.