ATHOL — The first mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus was collected in Athol on Aug. 1. But Athol Health Agent Deborah K. Vondal said people should not panic.
“The bottom line is, there have been no human cases of infection reported. We just want people to be aware,”she said Monday.
The sampling of mosquitoes continues this week.
Vondal, who was notified directly from a contact at the Massachusetts Arbor Virus Surveillance and Response Plan, said mosquito surveillance is conducted across the state.
Mosquitoes are collected in three types of traps, and the traps’ locations are not divulged to prevent tampering.
The mosquitoes trapped in the machines are taken to a laboratory in Jamaica Plains for identification of the species, and to test for the West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
“This is the first mosquito found in Athol with West Nile Virus,” said Vondal.
There have been reports of WNV infecting roughly 60 communities since mid-June. Mosquitoes carrying WNV have been found in Greenfield, Bernardston, Amherst, Northampton and Holyoke and to several communities east of Athol.
“Greenfield had seven infected mosquitoes,” said Vondal, noting “There is usually a build-up in population in August and September. It is important for people to take precautions — with mosquitoes as well as ticks — whether gardening, hiking or doing other outdoor activities.”
The virus can cause illness ranging from a mild fever to more serious conditions such as meningitis.
“Let the public health agents worry about the situation right now,” said Vondal. “If more are found, we will step up our notifications.”
Vondal has been in close contact with the state each year, since a case of EEE in Athol in 2012. During that year, for the safety of its citizens, the Athol Health Department curtailed local outdoor activities, including the Athol Lions Club’s annual two-day Haunted Hayride event.
Vondal said above average precipitation combined with higher temperatures and humidity are more likely to support increased mosquito populations. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Schedule outdoor events to avoid the hours between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
When outdoors, wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks. This may be difficult when it is hot, but will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Use mosquito repellant with DEET and drain standing water in your yard to help reduce mosquito populations. Mosquitoes that carry WVN can begin to multiply in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days.
Currently, there are no human cases of WNV in Massachusetts.
For more information, contact the Athol Board of Health at 978-249-7934 or online at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.