Four additional mosquito pools have tested positive for West Nile Virus today.
The Boston Public Health Commission said the latest positive samples come from mosquito pools in East Boston, Hyde Park, and West Roxbury.
In June, a positive mosquito pool was found in Roslindale, and another was found earlier this month in West Roxbury. There have still been no confirmed human cases of the virus in Boston this year.
“It’s again the time of year when it’s not surprising to find mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus in Boston, and people should take some simple precautions to avoid mosquito bites,” said Dr. Anita Barry, director the Infectious Disease Bureau at the Public Health Commission.
To avoid getting bitten, health officials recommend:
- Using insect repellant when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting.
- Wearing clothing that includes long sleeves and pants.
- People can avoid attracting mosquitoes in their homes by making sure that their window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting into the house.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, BPHC recommends limiting places around the home where standing water can collect. People should turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water; dispose of or cover old tires; and cover swimming pools and kiddie pools when not in use.
While WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, it poses very low risk to humans.
The city has been applying larvicide in catch basins throughout Boston to reduce the adult mosquito population.
