City at 'Moderate Risk' for West Nile Virus: Spraying in South Peabody This Week

City health officials say targeted pesticide treatment will be conducted this week in certain areas of South Peabody in the wake of West Nile Virus being detected in a recent mosquito sample.

The state Department of Public Health announced Friday that a positive sample was found in Peabody -- the first one this year for the Tanner City.

According to Peabody Health Director Sharon Cameron, Northeast Mass. Mosquito Control District is scheduled to treat several neighborhoods and parks in South Peabody on Sept. 24.

Cameron said the truck-mounted spraying should happen after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, but may be delayed depending on the weather conditions. Spraying is therefore loosely scheduled between Tuesday and Friday.

The treatment area encompasses neighborhoods between Lynnfield, Lynn and Bartholomew streets. The Meadow golf course, Raddin Road Park and Macarthur Park may also be sprayed.

"Residents do not need to take special precautions to prepare for the spray activity, but may choose to stay indoors or close windows and shut off air conditioners when the truck is on their street until the truck passes," Cameron said.

Peabody's risk level has been raised to “moderate” for West Nile Virus and Cameron continues to urge residents to guard against mosquito bites with some simple precautions.

"Although summer is over and mosquito populations are diminishing, the mosquitoes that remain are more likely to carry the virus than earlier in the season. The risk of mosquito-borne illness will continue until the first hard frost," she said.

That includes using bug spray, wearing long-sleeved clothing, minimizing outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, using netting on baby carriages and playpens, repairing screens and eliminating standing water around your home.

For more information, call the Peabody Health Department at 978-538-5926, visit www.peabody-ma.gov or check out
www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.