On Tuesday, August 22, the Hopkinton Board of Health received an alert that mosquito pools in Milford have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Mosquitoes in Northbridge and Framingham had previously tested positive as well.
West Nile Virus is primarily transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to more severe neurological conditions.
The BOH advises residents to be vigilant in their use of mosquito repellants when outdoors, particularly at dusk and dawn while mosquitos are most active. The BOH has also instructed the town to spray local playfields as a precautionary measure.
Additionally, Hopkinton residents are entitled to free mosquito spraying at their home through the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project. Residents should visit the website and choose the Request Service option. The CMMCP sprays at dusk and during the night, and the treatment is approved by several regulatory agencies, including the Department of Public Health and Department of Environmental Protection.
Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the BOH at (508) 497-9725.
How and when are these school fields being sprayed?
Just to verify, I’m a federally permitted bird rehabilitator in Hopkinton. West Nile is always around. Crows, Ravens and raptors are VERY susceptible to it. I see it in these species every year. It’s sad, there is no cure or treatment just supportive care for the birds I recently got a Raven from Framingham Animal Control, found near the hospital in a parking lot that had all the symptoms of WNV. Raven didn’t make it. With all the rain, standing water everywhere it is bound to proliferate in these conditions.