Second Pool of West Nile Virus Mosquitos Found in Boston

By Sara Jacobi

The mosquito season is just getting started here in Boston.

After last week's announcement that mosquitos carrying West Nile Virus were found in Jamaica Plain, the Boston Public Health Commission announced this week that a second pool, this time in Hyde Park, also tested positive. 

Despite the presence of the virus in the area, there have been no recorded human cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Boston this year. West Nile Virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, but it poses very low risk to most people, according to health officials. 

With the finding of the virus in Boston, the city has launched a spraying and larvicide program to control the mosquito population. The city has placed larvicide in catch basins and wetlands around the city, and targeted, truck-mounted aerosol spraying is also being performed to help control the mosquito population in certain areas of Boston. Spraying was recently conducted in Hyde Park, and it is scheduled to happen in East Boston on Thursday night. 

But you, on your own, can help prevent mosquito bites, with suggestions from the Boston Public Health Commission:

• Using insect repellant when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting.
• When possible, wearing clothing that includes long sleeves and pants.  
• Mosquito-proof your home 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, the Boston Public Health Commission advises people to 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 when not in use.