West Nile Detected In New Bedford

West Nile has been detected in New Bedford.

Mayor Jon Mitchell's Office says that Massachusetts Department of Public Health notified the New Bedford Health Department that the virus was found in a mosquito sample obtained from the Washburn St. area.

The mosquito is identified as being part of the culex pipiens restuans complex species and is mainly bird-biting.

In response to these findings the Bristol County Mosquito Control Project will conduct two rounds of targeted ground sprayings.

The targeted areas include Buttonwood Park, Brooklawn Park, Fort Tabor, Hazelwood Park, Riverside Park, Clasky Park, Ashley Park, the Poor Farm area, Custom House Square and Washburn St. area.

The sprayings will take place early Friday morning and Monday morning between 2 a.m. and sunrise weather permitting.

Residents living near the targeted areas are being advised to close their windows the night before the sprayings are scheduled to take place.

The Bristol County Mosquito Control Program will end its spraying program for the season early next week but will continue trapping mosquitoes as part of its monitoring program for another two weeks.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue its monitoring program until mid-October.