Northborough Elevated to Moderate Risk Level for West Nile Virus – July 24, 2026

Northborough Elevated to Moderate Risk Level for West Nile Virus – July 24, 2026

On July 23^rd, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health increased the risk of West Nile Virus infection from “low” to “moderate” in Northborough and nearby communities.

WNV is most commonly transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The mosquitoes that carry this virus are common throughout the state and are found in urban as well as more rural areas. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe infection.

Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project

The Town of Northborough is serviced by the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP). Residents can exclude their property from spraying at any time. To learn more about how to request an exclusion or opt out from wide area pesticide application, visit: www.mass.gov/how-to/how-to-request-an-exclusion-or-opt-out-from-wide-area-pesticide-applications. Please note that this exclusion expires at the end of the calendar year and must be renewed each year. 

Membership in CMMCP offers residents access to a full program of mosquito control services. Requests for service may be made by calling the CMMCP office at (508) 393-3055 between 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, or visit: www.cmmcp.org and click “request service”.  To learn about what is recommended before and after a spray, visit: www.cmmcp.org/1196/FAQs. To view CMMCP’s spray schedule, visit: www.cmmcp.org/1245/2026-Spray-Schedules. For more information about Ultra-Low Volume spraying, visit: www.cmmcp.org/adulticide-program/pages/ultra-low-volume-spray-machine.

By taking a few common precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• 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.
   
• 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.
   
• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. When risk is increased, consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. If you are outdoors at any time and notice mosquitoes around you, take steps to avoid being bitten by moving indoors, covering up and/or wearing repellant.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water – Many 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.
   
• Install or Repair Screens – Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all your windows and doors.

Information about WNV and reports of current and historical WNV virus activity in Massachusetts can be found on the MDPH website at: www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito.

For additional information, please contact the Northborough Department of Health and Human Services at: (508) 393-5040 x4.

Updated: July 21, 2026
Data Source: mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update