Board hears mosquito-control update; targeted spraying underway after positive mosquito tests

Public-health staff told the Board of Health the city and neighboring communities have reported additional mosquitoes positive for West Nile virus, and the Lowell spraying program is conducting targeted adulticide applications at school and park locations. Staff said two positive West Nile mosquito traps were reported in one area (named in the report as "Bill Rooka") and one in Dracut; the state reported multiple positive traps regionally. The city reported it had carried out spraying at Pawtucket Memorial School, Wang School, Pawtucketville and, earlier, at Cauley Stadium, Pine Art School, Shed Park, Butler and Shaughnessy School. "We're remote, meaning we're not close to any confirmed mosquitoes with it," a public-health presenter said, noting the surveillance system has a one-week reporting lag and the local risk level could be upgraded if additional positives occur in nearby areas. Staff explained that spray response is typically focused within about a one-mile radius of positive traps and that different mosquito species carry West Nile and have varying local transmission risk. The board asked for clarification on the city's current risk designation and asked staff to continue public notifications when spraying is scheduled. This was informational; no regulatory action or new vector-control ordinance was proposed at the meeting.