Dear Cambridge Residents and Others:
Cambridge Community Advisory
Mosquito Spraying Planned in Cambridge Wednesday and Friday Nights
August 29, 2000
Cambridge -- Following Monday's announcement from state officials that a
bird found in Cambridge tested positive for West Nile Virus, City public
health officials have decided to spray for mosquitoes Wednesday, August 30
and Friday, September 1 between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. The bird found in
the Agassiz area in Cambridge was retrieved on August 23 and was one of 18
birds and one infected mosquito pool found throughout Eastern Massachusetts
reported yesterday by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Spraying can help prevent the spread of the virus, which is transmitted
through mosquitoes. A comprehensive and environmentally sensitive plan has
been enacted to protect the people, animals, and ecosystems of Cambridge.
The pesticide used for spraying mosquitoes, resmethrin, is not considered
dangerous to humans or pets at the very low levels being applied. Certain
precautions are recommended to protect people with respiratory problems. The
attached fact sheet outlines some simple and important steps that people can
take to secure the health of all.
The spraying will occur between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. on Wednesday night,
August 30, in North Cambridge, West Cambridge, and East Cambridge, with
additional coverage of the Agassiz area, and the area between Cambridge
Street and Beacon Street in Mid-Cambridge.
Spraying will continue on Friday
night, September 1, in the remainder of the City: Cambridgeport, Riverside,
Area 4, Mid-Cambridge, Mt. Auburn Street area, Coolidge Hill, and the
Cambridge Cemetery. Every effort will be made to cover the major squares
(Harvard, Central, Inman, Porter) late on Wednesday night.
Information about mosquito spraying in Cambridge can be obtained by:
1. Cambridge Public Health Department - Community Health Information
Line 617-665-3801
2. WBZ Radio 1030AM at 12:48 PM and 6:48 PM
3. City of Cambridge Internet Home Page - www.cambridgema.gov/
[link to home page updated December 2004]
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August 29, 2000
Cambridge Public Health Department
Fact Sheet on Precautions Residents Should Take During Spraying
Truck-Based Mosquito Spraying to protect against the spread of the
mosquito-borne West Nile Virus will take place in Cambridge late at night
and very early in the morning on Wednesday, August 30 and Friday, September
1, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. throughout the City.
The pesticide that is used to control adult mosquitoes is Resmethrin.
Spraying Resmethrin controls mosquitoes. The likelihood of any health
effects from spraying is very low. We recommend that all individuals please
take the following precautions:
* If possible, people and pets should stay indoors during spraying and
for one hour after spraying.
* People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are encouraged to
stay inside during spraying.
* Avoid eye contact with spray if you are outdoors during spraying.
Rinse your eyes with water or eye drops if you get spray in your eyes. Wash
skin and clothes exposed to pesticide with soap and water.
* Remove or cover children's toys and outdoor furniture. Any items
left outside can be washed with soap and water.
Remember - Mosquitoes breed anywhere there is standing water!
* Make sure drains/gutters/etc. are not trapping water. Empty the
water from old tires and other places where water is trapped. Change the
water in kiddie pools and birdbaths weekly.
If you are concerned about your health, call your doctor or your local
hospital.
For more information about spraying in Cambridge call the Community Health
Information Line at (617) 665-3801
For the above notice - Media Contact: Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer Ph. (617) 349-4339
Contact the Alewife Study Group, North Cambridge Massachusetts, by email at information@alewife.org