More West Nile Virus Found in West Roxbury
On Thursday city officials found a West Roxbury pool that tested positive for the disease. Other neighborhood pools had tested positive last month.
The city found more West Nile Virus in West Roxbury on Thursday.
The Boston Public Health Commission said it found mosquito pools both in West Roxbury as well as Roslindale. That comes after positive tests in July for West Roxbury, JP, Hyde Park, North Dorchester and East Boston.
While there have been no confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Boston this year, there was one this week in Middlesex County. The victim, a man in his 60s, is hospitalized but recovering, according to the Boston Globe.
The Health Commission recommends what it calls "simple steps" to avoid mosquito bites:
These steps include using insect repellant when outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn when mosquitoes are more likely to be biting and, when possible, wearing clothing that includes long sleeves and pants. People can avoid attracting mosquitoes in their homes by making sure that their window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquitoes from getting into the house.
To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, the Health Commission advises limiting places around the home where standing water can collect. People should turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water; dispose of or cover old tires; and cover swimming pools and kiddie pools when not in use.
The city has been putting larvae-killing chemicals into Boston's catchbasins to tamp down the mosquito population.