(Editor's note: The following onformation was supplied by Timothy D. Deschamps, Executive Director Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project)

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were confirmed July 26 in a surveillance trap set by Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) off Shawseen St. on July 19. We are currently working with the Tewksbury Board of Health, spraying in the area below will be done July 31, 2012.

It's the second straight year the West Nile Virus has been found in Tewksbury.

It’s important to note that spraying can only reduce but not eliminate the threat of mosquito-borne illness in the areas that are sprayed. That’s why it’s important for individuals to continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites — both before and after any spraying is conducted.

NOTE: ADDITIONAL AREAS NOT LISTED ABOVE MAY BE SCHEDULED BY REQUEST OF RESIDENTS.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• 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. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
• Clothing Can Help reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
• Apply Insect Repellent when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label.  DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children.  Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.  Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water - Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.  Contact 508.929.1300 if you have found an abandoned pool in your neighborhood. 
• Install or Repair Screens - Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2010 can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv.  Recorded information about WNV is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).