According to the Department of Public Health, a great number of mosquitoes collected in Danvers at the end of the previous month has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV), threatening with the disease not only the city’s residents, but all the residence of Massachusetts.

Among the towns on the North Shore, Danvers is the first one where mosquitoes have been found infected with the virus. It is already known the fact that the transmitters of the WNV are present especially during the summer, but also and into the warm autumn months before first hard frost hits. Although it’s getting cooler, the mosquitoes are still out between dusk and dawn, ready to attack. If they are infected with the virus, the situation is really serious.

This is why health officials warned people to take precautions, such as wearing trousers and long-sleeved shirts, eliminating standing water where the insects can breed or mending damaged window screens and doors. Also, in order to avoid getting bitten by the insects, it is very important to use repellent, a few hours before going out, if possible.

“It’s not unusual for Massachusetts to have human cases of (the virus) occurring through September,” according to Dr. Alfred DeMaria, epidemiologist for DHP. “Fortunately, with cooler temperatures, it’s easier to cover up to avoid getting bitten,” he added.
A factor in the increased number of mosquitoes, compared to last year’s situation, when weather conditions were drier, is represented by a rainy summer year, Donna Rheaume, spokeswoman for DHP, stated.