The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has reported positive mosquito samples for West Nile virus (WNV) in several communities, including neighboring Andover. There have been no reported human cases of WNV in Massachusetts this season to date.

While no positive mosquito samples have been reported in North Andover at this time, residents are encouraged to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites:

• Use an insect repellent that contains an EPA registered active ingredient, such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para menthane diol, or 2 undecanone. These ingredients are commonly found in mosquito repellents sold at stores.
• Avoid outdoor activity when mosquitoes are most active, particularly around dusk and dawn.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when spending time outdoors, when practical.
• Remove or empty standing water around your property. Mosquitoes can breed in small amounts of water found in buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, children's toys, clogged gutters, and other containers.

The North Andover Board of Health is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to monitor mosquito activity in the area. We will continue to share information with residents as new results become available. For questions or concerns, please contact the North Andover Board of Health at (978) 688-9540 or fdagle@northandoverma.gov.

Residents can view current mosquito activity and risk maps through: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update