Mayor James J. Fiorentini > Press Release

Mayor Fiorentini orders expanded mosquito spraying after Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus Found

Mayor James Fiorentini today called for expanded mosquito spraying after mosquitoes trapped in Haverhill tested positive for West Nile virus.  The spraying will take place beginning on Thursday night, August 24th, at 8 PM and is expected to be completed by 5 AM Friday morning.  The area sprayed will include all of Haverhill south and east of Interstate 495 including all of Bradford.

The Mayor said, "We all need to take this emerging mosquito borne virus problem seriously.  People need to be sure that they are taking proper precautions including using effective mosquito repellents with DEET.  I urge people not to go out from dusk to dawn, and, if they do, to make certain they are covered with long clothing and wear DEET.  DEET should never be used on children under age 2.”

The Mayor also urged people to avoid areas where mosquitoes are likely to breed and to search their yards for tires and debris that may hold standing water.  “We are going to take all reasonable steps to protect the public” said Fiorentini. 

Information about spraying is available on the internet at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/factsheets/fsmosquito_spraying.pdf