When the risk level for West Nile Virus in Sherborn reached "high", the Board of Health issued an advisory to the Recreation Department to close all outdoor recreation spaces at dusk, around 30 minutes before the sun sets. The Board of Health did this to protect Sherborn residents from potentially dangerous mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile Virus. As the temperature begins to drop, so does mosquito activity, and the Board of Health has consulted with the State Department of Health and the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to determine if it would be safe for us to lift the previously issued advisory. Collaboratively, we decided that while the risk still does exist for mosquito borne diseases until the first hard frost of the season, the changing weather has made it safer for residents and harder for mosquitoes.
It is important to continue to take protective measures against mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases by wearing long sleeves when outside after dark and using an EPA approved bug spray to repel against mosquitoes. When using a bug spray, it is very important to always read all of the listed warnings and instructions. Older adults over the age of 50 are at a higher risk for developing symptomatic West Nile Virus, and it is extra important that these high-risk groups take the necessary steps to be protected.