UPDATE: Targeted Spraying Next Week Due to WNV Infected Mosquito

City officials released a public health alert Friday afternoon, warning residents that at least one mosquito with West Nile Virus has been identified in Peabody.

"As a result of the identification of this infected mosquito pool, another targeted spraying will occur the week of August 13 in order to reduce the number of adult mosquitoes in the area," said a press release from the Peabody Health Department.

Having concluded testing of mosquito samples in Peabody, the state Department of Public Health reported on Friday it found one positive sample of WNV. One positive sample was also found last year, among 275 identified across the state. State officials say they tested 4,604 mosquito samples in Massachusetts in 2011.

An automated alert Friday read: "It is important to take personal precautions against mosquitoes, such as using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves or other protective clothing, minimizing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, and eliminating standing water around your home."

Health officials note WNV is commonly transmitted to humans via bites from infected mosquitoes, and those insects can be found in urban as well as rural areas. No human or animal cases of WNV have been discovered at this time.

People of all ages are suspectible to the virus, but those over 50 are at greater risk of severe infection, health officials say.

"The city of Peabody has worked closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District throughout this season to reduce the risk of illness spread by mosquitoes," said a press release from the Health Department.

Local health officials also say mosquito pools are tested twice each week from May through September to identify infected mosquitoes. Catch basins where the insects commonly lay their eggs were also sprayed with pesticides throughout the city and will continue to be treated. Some targeted spraying was done earlier this summer as well.

Residents, however, are still encouraged to take some "common sense precautions."

Avoid mosquito bites

• Be aware of peak mosquito hours: The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.
• Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites: Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply insect repellent when you go outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)]. These products have restrictions, so make sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

Mosquito-proof your home

• Drain standing water: Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
• Install or repair screens: Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Residents are directed to call the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926 if they have any questions or visit www.peabody-ma.gov for information on precautions to take.

Information about West Nile Virus and reports of WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found online from the MDPH.