West Nile Virus Detected In Marlborough Mosquitoes, City Warns

MARLBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has detected West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected in Marlborough, prompting a public notice from the city's Board of Health urging residents to take precautions against bites.

TOWN HALL

The Board of Health notice, posted this week, confirms the virus was found in mosquito samples taken within the city and advises residents to limit outdoor exposure during peak mosquito hours, use repellent, and eliminate standing water around their properties. The announcement is the most significant public-health item to come out of City Hall in the past day and adds to a summer marked by heightened mosquito activity statewide.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Marlborough Fire Calls Rise Again In July": Fire officials again reported an uptick in emergency call volume last month, renewing concerns about department staffing levels, according to Marlborough Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/marlborough/amp/34631932/marlborough-fire-calls-rise-again-in-july).

"Marlborough Home Prices Jumped In July, New Data Shows": Home prices climbed sharply in the city last month even as the number of closed sales fell nearly 47 percent, Marlborough Patch reports (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/marlborough/marlborough-home-prices-jumped-july-new-data-shows).

COMING UP

The Traffic Commission meets Thursday, Aug. 13. The City Council and Planning Board both meet Monday, Aug. 17, followed by the AMSA Trustees Finance Committee on Tuesday, Aug. 18, and the Zoning Board of Appeals on Thursday, Aug. 20. At the Marlborough Public Library, a Crafting Circle and a Writing Workshop are both set for Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m., with a Preschool Storytime & Craft on Friday, Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. and a "U.R. Movie Night" screening of "They Live" that evening at 7 p.m.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.