By Nate Leskovic
Times Staff
9/11/08

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Other traps that catch human-biting mosquitoes have not had positive test results yet, however Smith said it is likely carriers exist in town. Smith said the bird-biting insects sometimes bite humans at this time of year.
“It’s not a huge surprise to us,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of positives in Boston, Weymouth, Quincy, Needham – it’s been all around. It was just a matter of time.”
Smith would not say where the trap was located, for concern about theft.
“The interpretation people should take is that they could be in anyone’s backyard,” he said. “Anywhere you could see a large number of mosquitoes you could find the virus. People shouldn’t be alarmed, but it’s a time to watch out.”
Smith suggested several preventative measures such as use of repellants and eliminating stagnant water from all locations.
Other preventative measures include: avoiding peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn; wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors; and installing or repairing screens.
The Board of Health will continue to work closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and NCMCP, which has been spraying in town throughout the summer. To request mosquito spraying contact the NCMCP at 781-762-3681 or ncmcp@verizon.net.
Information about WNV and reports of WNV activity in Massachusetts during 2008 can be found on the MDPH website at www.mass.gov/dph.