No West Nile so far in North Andover – Eagle Tribune
NORTH ANDOVER — Town health officials are cautiously optimistic there will be no occurrences of West Nile virus this summer.
Mosquitoes studied this summer have not tested positive for West Nile or other mosquito-borne illnesses, but health officials are asking residents to remain vigilant.
"You should never bring your guard down," said Susan Sawyer, director of North Andover's health department. "This is something that has been in our society now for the last decade."
Last year, North Andover joined Methuen, Saugus, and Lynn in having mosquitoes test positive for West Nile, according to the state Department of Public Health.
In North Andover, 12 mosquitoes, tested between late June and mid-September, had the virus, which did not spread to people. Statewide, officials found 121 mosquitoes carrying the virus out of 3,558 tested.
Dr. Thomas Trowbridge, chairman of the North Andover Board of Health, said the town has been proactive this year, targeting mosquito breeding areas, and so far the measures seem to be working. The Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control program notifies town health officials each week about newly tested mosquitoes.
"We feel much better than last year although we're continuing to stay vigilant," Trowbridge said.
Sawyer said she is in close contact with the town manager and school officials regarding the mosquito testing.
"We all work together and I keep them informed of what is going on in case we need to take any action," Sawyer said.
Trowbridge said the removal of beaver dams from a creek near the Department of Public Works building, 384 Osgood St., has been effective. The dams lead to water pooling and creating mosquito breeding grounds. "So far the activity hasn't led to the side water, the brackish water on the side of the creek," Trowbridge said.
Trowbridge encouraged residents to remove any areas of standing water on their properties, which can include: bird baths, tires, water left out for pets, and old stagnant pools.
Last year, the North Andover Board of Health unanimously approved a plan to spray the pesticide Anvil along streets within the area of Chadwick, Osgood, Greene, Elm and High streets and Massachusetts Avenue to combat the disease-carrying mosquitoes. But Trowbridge said any mosquito spraying this year would be based on many different factors.
"We do not have any plans at this point to do any spraying," Trowbridge said.
The two types of mosquitoes found in North Andover — the Culex pipiens and Culex restuans species — are primarily responsible for virus transmission. Mosquitoes bite infected birds and can then spread the West Nile virus, as well as eastern equine encephalitis, to people.
West Nile virus can cause West Nile fever, or in more severe cases, West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis. The virus first appeared in the United States in 1999, when cases were found in New York City.
Mosquitoes can also spread eastern equine encephalitis, a problem more prevalent in southern Massachusetts.
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