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Norwood reports first West Nile mosquito sample; Health Department urges precautions
Summary
Town officials said Norwood recorded its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample on Aug. 26; statewide, the speaker said, there were 364 positive mosquito samples and four human cases at the time of the meeting. The Health Department said local risk moved from low to moderate and recommended standard precautions to reduce bites.
Town health staff told the Board of Health on Sept. 15 that the Town of Norwood recorded its first West Nile virus-positive mosquito sample on Aug. 26 and that state surveillance had detected several hundred positive mosquito samples statewide.
"The state had its first West Nile virus positive mosquito sample back in June... Currently, there are 364 West Nile virus positive samples and 1 in a goat. And, throughout the state, I think we're up to 4 cases of West Nile virus right now," a Health Department speaker reported, and added that Norwood's positive sample prompted the town's risk level to be raised from low to moderate.
Health staff told the board that the town has also recorded positive Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) samples in the region historically and that residents should take standard precautions: apply insect repellent (DEET or other EPA-registered products), wear long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, repair screens, and remove standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Board members asked how the town coordinates with school and sports officials about outdoor events; staff said school nurses and athletic organizers receive surveillance reports and that teams and families should use personal protection (repellents and long clothing). The board noted that some nearby communities had canceled evening sporting events when surveillance or local conditions indicated heightened risk.
Health staff emphasized that the presence of positive mosquito samples does not necessarily indicate human cases in Norwood but that the surveillance result merits stepped-up public education and removal of breeding sites.
The board asked staff to continue publishing surveillance updates and to notify school nurses and athletic directors when risk levels change.
