West Nile Virus Found In Pittsfield Mosquito Specimen

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Health Department said Friday that West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito specimen in Pittsfield.

The mosquito sample was collected on June 26 and tested at the State Laboratory.

WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.

"There is there is no need for immediate concern since one positive mosquito is not an indicator of the upcoming season," said Merridith O'Leary, Pittsfield's health director. "However today's findings are a good reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves and our families from the threat of mosquito-borne illness."

O'Leary said residents should "make it a habit to apply bug spray before heading out or wear long sleeves or pants if weather permits, and head inside if you find you're getting bitten by mosquitoes."

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors
DEET products should not be used on infants younger than 2 months and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours
The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

Drain Standing Water
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Drain or discard items that hold water, such as flowerpots, gutters, drains and wading pools. Change water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens.
Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

More information about mosquito-borne disease is available at the state Department of Public Health: to learn more about mosquito control in Pittsfield or report problem areas, contact Chris Horton at Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project at 413-447-9808.

Tags: mosquito,   pests,   West Nile,   

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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