There has been much in recent news related to mosquito-borne illness – West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), the risk for both EEE and WNV in Amherst is low. 

The Department of Public Health actively maintains a website with WNV and EEE risk maps that are updated daily. The Town of Amherst recommends that you check these regularly to be aware of risk levels throughout the state.The Town of Amherst recommends that you check these regularly to be aware of risk levels throughout the state.

Recommendations for areas where the risk is low are:

• Know your risk and be prepared
• Check the DPH risk page regularly
• Repair screens on windows and doors
• Be aware of stagnant water on your property (e.g., unused swimming pools) and clean up to get rid of mosquito breeding sites
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET
• Wear long sleeves and long pants and socks when outside from dusk to dawn
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens

Local Monitoring: The Amherst Public Health Department is actively monitoring mosquito populations in collaboration with the Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District (PVMCD). As of August 17th, there were no West Nile virus-positive mosquito samples detected in Amherst or Hampshire County, although there were some mosquito positive samples in the Pioneer Valley. All of the PVMCD reports from the current season can be viewed here.

Questions? Contact the Amherst Public Health Department by emailing publichealth@amherstma.gov or calling 413.259.3077.