Central Mass Mosquito Control Project identifies West Nile virus in Billerica
Joy M. HosfordAs summer winds down Billerica town officials announce the presence of West Nile virus in local mosquitos.
According to Town Manager John Curran's office, the Central Mass Mosquito Control Project [CMMCP] has identified a trap with adult mosquitos capable of transmitting West Nile virus in Billerica.
The organization will be conducting a truck-mounted, ultra-low volume mosquito control spray application in Billerica in specific areas on Thursday, Aug. 26, from 8 p.m. until 12 a.m.
More:2021 Spray Schedules
"The ultra-low volume mosquito control spray application allows the CMMCP to control adult mosquitoes using the least amount of pesticide possible," according to Curran's office.
Spraying locations in Billerica
Allendale Avenue
Allenhurst Road
Andover Road
Applewood Avenue
Arborwood Road
Atherton Avenue
Baker Street
Baniulis Road
Basswood Avenue
Bernard Street
Boston Road
Bover Lane
Bridge Street
Bridle Road
Campbell Road
Carley Way
Champa Road
Charlesanna Lane
Chelmsford Road
Ciccone Way
Colonial Drive
Colson Street
Dartmouth Drive
David Road
Diane Drive
Dignon Road
Dustin Young Lane
Eliot Street
Eubar Circle
Fox Hill Road
Francis Road
Freedom Way
Governor Endicott Road
Governor Hutchinson Road
Hancock Street
Hart Way
Holly Street
Janice Road
Jenkins Drive
Kameha Drive
Kazimer Drive
Kenmar Drive
Kern Drive
Lantern Lane
Lexington Road
Magnolia Avenue
Meadowglen Road
New Foster Avenue
Nolte Road
Olde Hillside Avenue
Olney Street
Parkway Avenue
Partridge Hill Road
Phillip Road
Phyllis Drive
Poe Road
Pond Lane Ext.
Prospector Road
Putnam Road
Rivermere Avenue
Sheffield Drive
Springwell Road
Treble Cove Road
Treble Terrace
Vasa Street
Verbena Road
W. Running Brook Road
Winning Road
Woodbury Road
Woodlawn Avenue
Questions and concerns when it comes to spraying should be directed to the CMMCP. The organization can be reached at 508-393-3055.
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention [CDC,], signs and symptoms of West Nile include; "...fever in some people. About one in five people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months."
CDC officials also point out that eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms.
"About one in 150 people who are infected develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis," according to health officials.
More:Centers For Disease Control and Prevention
While West Nile can affect people of all ages, the CDC warns those over 60 years of age are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected, usually one in 50 people.
"[Those] with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and people who have received organ transplants, are also at greater risk," according to the CDC.
Currently, there is no vaccine or specific medicines available to prevent or treat West Nile.
According to the CDC, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms.
CDC officials recommendd, "In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care. If you think you or a family member might have West Nile virus disease, talk with your health care provider."
Joy M. Hosford, Senior Multimedia Journalist, Billerica Minuteman
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