North Andover has no confirmed West Nile virus activity, but the town's Board of Health wants residents taking precautions now that the virus has been found next door.
The board issued an advisory Saturday, Aug. 15, after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed positive mosquito samples in several communities this season, including neighboring Andover. No positive samples have been detected in North Andover, and no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported anywhere in Massachusetts so far in 2026, according to the board's advisory.
Andover's risk level was raised to moderate on Friday, Aug. 14, after a mosquito collected in town tested positive, the Andover Health Division announced. The town did not identify where the sample was collected or announce any spraying plans.
The North Andover Board of Health said it is working with state health officials to monitor mosquito activity locally and will share new results as they become available.
What residents should do
The board's advisory lists specific steps to reduce mosquito-bite risk:
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane diol or 2-undecanone.
- Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
- Dump standing water from buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, children's toys and clogged gutters.
That last step matters most in mid-August, when warm temperatures and recent rain leave pooled water in yards across both towns.
The virus is spreading faster than earlier this summer. Statewide, 122 mosquito samples had tested positive as of Aug. 14, more than double the 52 recorded at the end of July, according to state data reported by the Cape Cod Times. The first detection of the 2026 season came in Berkshire County in June.
The state Department of Public Health tracks mosquito samples and assigns community risk levels for West Nile virus and Eastern equine encephalitis throughout mosquito season, which runs June through October. Most people infected do not develop symptoms, but the virus can cause fever and, in rare cases, serious neurological disease. Older adults face greater risk of severe illness.
Residents can view current risk maps here. Those with questions can contact the North Andover Board of Health at (978) 688-9540 or [email protected].
