From the Office of the Fitchburg Board of Health

Second WNV Mosquito Found in Fitchburg, MA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 4, 2026
FURTHER INFORMATION: Stephen D. Curry, Director of Public Health (978) 829-1870

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has confirmed that a second West Nile virus (WNV) was detected in a mosquito sample collected in Fitchburg. At this time, no human cases have been identified, and Fitchburg's WNV risk level remains low.

The Fitchburg Health Department will continue working closely with MDPH and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) on mosquito surveillance and control efforts. In response to this positive mosquito sample, the CMMCP will:

• Continue mosquito trapping and surveillance activities.
• Continue treating Fitchburg catch basins for mosquito larval control.
• Conduct mosquito spraying in the designated areas shown on the attached maps and street lists.
• Spraying is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026

Residents who wish to exclude their property from spraying may do so on-line at How to Request an Exclusion or Opt out from Wide Area Pesticide Applications | Mass.gov or calling 508-281-6786. Residents are encouraged to submit their exclusion request as soon as possible to ensure their property is removed from the spray route.

If your street is scheduled for spraying, please take the following precautions:

• Close street-facing windows and turn off any "outside air" settings on air conditioners.
• Keep pets indoors between sunset and midnight, and do not allow children to play near or behind truck-mounted sprayers while they are operating.
• Remain indoors during spraying and for 15–20 minutes afterward.
• Wash vegetables from home gardens thoroughly before eating them.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While people of any age can become infected, adults over age 50 are at greater risk of developing severe illness. Although Fitchburg's current WNV risk remains low, residents are encouraged to take simple precautions to reduce their risk of mosquito bites. MDPH recommends the following:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Choose a product containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (for children over 3 years old), or another EPA-approved active ingredient. Always follow the product label directions.
• Cover exposed skin. When mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves, long pants, socks, and shoes whenever practical.
• Avoid peak mosquito activity. Mosquitoes that spread WNV and Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) are most active from dusk to dawn. Limit outdoor activities during these hours whenever possible, or use extra protection.
• Eliminate standing water. Mosquitoes can breed in even small amounts of standing water. At least once a week:
• Empty buckets, flowerpot saucers, toys, tarps, and other containers that collect water.
• Clean birdbaths and pet water bowls.
• Clear clogged gutters
• Cover or drain rain barrels and other water storage containers.
• Repair damaged window and door screens, and keep doors closed whenever possible to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.

For more information on West Nile Virus (WNV), please visit mass.gov/info-details/west-nile-virus-wnv

For more information on the Fitchburg Health Department, please visit fitchburgma.gov/211/Health-Department

Spraying Areas

Street List - Eastern Spraying Zone

Street List - Western Spraying Zone