Ban on Night Activities Lifted; Mosquito Illness No Longer Serious Threat

The recent frost removed the risk of mosquito-borne illness; Northborough lifted the night time ban.

The public health advisory has been lifted for evening outdoor activities organized by the town of Northborough. The National Weather Service reported that because of the hard frost that occurred over the weekend, all areas of Massachusetts except for Suffolk County and the Cape and Islands has drastically reduced the risk of mosquito-borne illness. As a precautionary measure, in early September, the Northborough Board of Health joined many surrounding towns and deferred to a warning issued by the Massachusetts Department of Health, and banned all Shrewsbury-organized evening events. "While individual mosquitoes may have survived in isolated sheltered areas, the risk of mosquito-borne illness should be virtually eliminated at this time in …

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Threat of EEE and West Nile Cancels Nighttime Events, Including Sports and Applefest Fireworks

After much consideration, and a recommendation from the Department of Public Health, the fireworks ... and nighttime sports ... are canceled in town.

After last week's threat of eastern equine encephalitis was raised to "high" in Northborough (and "critical in Westborough), by the Department of Public Health, local authorities met to discuss the appropriate response to ensure the town's safety. Due to their proximity to Westborough, the towns of Auburn, Hopkinton, Grafton, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Upton, Worcester an Northborough were elevated to high risk for mosquito-borne illness. Northborough's police chief, fire chief, health agent, superintendent, the public schools' athletic director and the town administrator met with others to consider steps that could be taken in reaction to the elevated mosquito-borne illness risk level.  It was determined, unanimously, that nighttime …

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West Nile Cases 'Highest Reported': 5 Things to Know

Learn about the risk and how you can protect yourself from disease-carrying mosquitoes.

The Center of Disease Control reported on Aug. 21 that it has been a record-setting summer for West Nile cases Here are 5 things to know about the disease and how you can decrease your risk. 1. Northborough, last week, had a mosquito that tested positive for West Nile Virus. Spraying has been done in the parks in town, and you can arrange to have spraying done on your property. Marlborough, too, is among a handful of surrounding communities that is at "moderate risk" for West Nile Virus, the city reported last week.  2. As of Wednesday, 47 states have reported West Nile virus infections in people, birds, or mosquitoes, according to the Center for Disease Control. A total of 1118 cases of West Nile virus disease in people, including 41 …

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Patch Facts

5 Things: Def Leppard at JJ's; Free Movies; WNV Discovered

Bring on the Friday vibe.

Our morning column, 5 Things You Need to Know, provides you with information that can help you plan your day and give you some fodder for water cooler conversations. 1. West Nile Virus has been found in Northborough, in case you hadn't heard. Be sure you know what to do to protect yourself. 2. There's a free movie at the Northborough Free Library today. You'll have to call and find out what it is, though. 3. You know, you can load events and announcements a lot quicker than we can. Get the word out by using Patch to its fullest. It's easy, we promise. 4. Let's Get Rocked, a Def Leppard tribute, turns JJ's Sports Bar into rock of ages tonight. 5. Time is almost up to vote in the Reader's Poll. Cast your vote for categories such as best …

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West Nile Virus Found in Northborough

A mosquito tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Health Agent Jamie Terry issued a statement to the town's residents informing them that a mosquito in Northborough recently tested positive for West Nile Virus. Terry writes: Today the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that a mosquito collected on Aug. 10, 2012 on the South Central part of the Northborough (along the Westborough border) tested positive for West Nile Virus. The species of mosquito is culex which is primarily a bird biting mosquito that may occasionally bite humans. At this time DPH and I are in agreement that the risk level for the Town does not need to be elevated. Currently Northborough is in a low risk category. Residents should continue to take proper precautions related to limiting contact with …

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Discarded Tires Pollute, and Also Provide a Lovely Home for Mosquitoes

Sometimes people don't know what to do with their old tires, or don't care. They are often discarded haphazardly in the woods, by the water or on the side of the road.

Perhaps the most defining image of pollution over the years has been one of a pile of old tires sitting down by the once-clean river. We've all seen them. Sometimes stacks sit on property, or they are tossed down an embankment, destined to rest there until the end of time. You may not be aware the the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP), which has its headquarters in Northborough, is making efforts to clean up discarded tires. Not only do these tires pollute the environment and look ugly, they are ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Thousands of them. "Used tire casings left out in the environment and allowed to hold water provide suitable areas for larval mosquito development, including those species known to carry …

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