Mosquito Surveillance Begins in Pittsfield

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 2014 season for mosquito surveillance and control has officially started in Pittsfield

“There are many questions and concerns when it comes to surveying and controlling the mosquito population,"
Mayor Daniel Bianchi said. "It is important that residents have an understanding of what this service entails, the purpose of spraying mosquitos and the steps to take when spraying is occurring in their area.”

Rather than spraying general areas, the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Program keeps continual watch on the mosquito population in Berkshire County.  By monitoring the larvae and adult mosquito population, BCMCP is able to confirm the presence of two mosquito borne viruses, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  Once a virus is detected, spraying will begin in that targeted area.

The presences of these viruses have been confirmed in past summers, which is why the BCMCP continues to be crucial part of Pittsfield, and Berkshire County.

“It is important that we start early and continually monitor the mosquito larvae and adult mosquitos throughout the spring and summer," Bianchi said. "This monitoring helps to reduce the amount of spraying that is done in Pittsfield.”

 Once the a viruses is detected among a mosquito population, an automated mapping system, ARC Geographic Information System Technology, helps personnel to better assess the infected area. The information generated from this tool helps BCMCP measure, identify, and record surveillance and plan treatment strategies.


“After detection, the use of the CodeRED system is key, in that the people residing in the targeted area will get a phone call alerting them about the detected virus and the plan in place to address the mosquitos,” Bianchi said.

Scheduled spraying is done after dusk when mosquitoes are most active and people are inside. The product used in the truck mounted spray application breaks down quickly and does not leave a toxic residue. The US EPA has evaluated the products for their safety in mosquito control and determined that they do not pose an unreasonable risk to birds or mammals and it is not used where fish or bees could be exposed.

Gina Armstrong, the director of health, said West Nile Virus illness can range from a mild fever to more serious disease like encephalitis or meningitis.  
"Symptoms may also include body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, skin rash and headache," she said. "People over age 50 have higher risk of developing one of these severe mosquito borne illnesses that can last several weeks.  Although rare, a EEE illness can cause death or permanent disability. Everyone can reduce the chances of becoming ill from the bite of an infected mosquito by covering their skin and applying repellant as directed.”

Armstrong added that the decision to spray in Pittsfield is based upon a phased response to surveillance data and an elevated risk of virus exposure.

"Spraying requires Board of Health approval and will generally occur on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings," she said. "When the Board of Health approves a spray, residents will be given two to three days’ notice in advance of any spraying. There will be a news release and a CodeRED notification.”

To sign up for CodeRED Emergency Notification System go to www.cityofpittsfield.org and you will find it on the right hand side of the screen.

 

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Crosby/Conte Statement of Interest Gets OK From Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Architect Carl Franceschi and Superintendent Joseph Curtis address the City Council on Tuesday.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With the approval of all necessary bodies, the school district will submit a statement of interest for a combined build on the site of Crosby Elementary School.

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously gave Superintendent Joseph Curtis the green light for the SOI to the Massachusetts School Building Authority by April 12.

"The statement I would make is we should have learned by our mistakes in the past," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"Twenty years ago, we could have built a wastewater treatment plant a lot cheaper than we could a couple of years ago and we can wait 10 years and get in line to build a new school or we can start now and, hopefully, when we get into that process and be able to do it cheaper then we can do a decade from now."

The proposal rebuilds Conte Community School and Crosby on the West Street site with shared facilities, as both have outdated campuses, insufficient layouts, and need significant repair. A rough timeline shows a feasibility study in 2026 with design and construction ranging from 2027 to 2028.

Following the SOI, the next step would be a feasibility study to determine the specific needs and parameters of the project, costing about $1.5 million and partially covered by the state. There is a potential for 80 percent reimbursement through the MSBA, who will decide on the project by the end of the year.

Earlier this month, city officials took a tour of both schools — some were shocked at the conditions students are learning in.

Silvio O. Conte Community School, built in 1974, is a 69,500 square foot open-concept facility that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but the quad classroom layout poses educational and security risks.  John C. Crosby Elementary School, built in 1962, is about 69,800 square feet and was built as a junior high school so several aspects had to be adapted for elementary use.

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