A mosquito sample collected in Wellesley has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).
As a result of this positive test, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has raised the WNV risk level to moderate for our community. Previously, Wellesley was at the low risk level.
A moderate risk level does not require curtailing all outdoor evening activities. However, the Wellesley Health Department is encouraging residents to use common sense and take precautions to prevent mosquito bites when outdoors.
- Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active;
- If you are outside in the evening, use insect repellent;
- Drain standing water;
- Install or repair screen doors and windows;
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to keep mosquitoes away from skin.
More information is available in the Mosquito Fact Sheet.
Experts are predicting another active season for mosquitoes that may carry diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).