Another West Nile Virus Mosquito Found in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has confirmed another West Nile virus-infected mosquito sample in the city. 

On Friday, Pittsfield announced there was an isolation on outer West Street near Lillybrook Road. Last week, two isolations of WNV were found at the Pittsfield-Richmond town line on Route 41 and the other at Garland Avenue.

There are currently no confirmed human cases of WNV, but residents are encouraged to take preventative actions.  According to a risk map provided by the MDPH, Pittsfield is now at moderate risk for WNV. 

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection. 

Berkshire County had early virus activity; Clarksburg saw the state's first WNV mosquitoes of the season in June.  Pittsfield had a positive WNV sample later that month in a spot with repeated occurrences near the Pittsfield Cemetery. 

Pittsfield, through the Berkshire County Mosquito Control Project, continues larvicide application, conducting targeted education programs, distribution of fact sheets on WNV and on reducing exposure to mosquitoes, and treating catch basins.  

In 2021, the former City Council voted to opt out of adult mosquito control spraying. 

Earlier this month, Chris Horton, superintendent of the mosquito project, told the Board of Health that he doesn't envision the WNV positives amplifying, and the peak transmission weeks are at the end of August and early September.