The Cambridge Public Health Department leads the city's response to the risks posed by West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases.

West Nile virus was first detected in birds and mosquitoes in Massachusetts in 2000. In 2001, Cambridge adopted a phased response to the threat of West Nile virus that emphasized reduction of mosquito breeding habitats (e.g., wading pools, old tires, clogged rain gutters), personal protection, and education.

The public health department works closely with the city's Department of Public Works, Inspectional Services Department, and Animal Commission to address issues that arise during mosquito season (May through early November).

In addition, these agencies engage in a number of activities aimed at reducing the risk of human infection from mosquito-borne disease. These activities include:

• Every summer, the city's Department of Public Works (DPW) treats all municipal storm drains in Cambridge with a larvicidal agent that prevents mosquitoes from breeding. DPW alternates between a chemical agent and a bacteriological agent to reduce the risk of natural resistance in mosquito larvae.
  
  
• Every summer, Harvard and MIT treat all storm drains on their respective properties with a larvicidal agent.
  
  
• The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project (EEMCP), through an agreement with the City of Cambridge, uses hand-held applications of a non-chemical larvicide to treat areas that are considered prime habitats for mosquito breeding. The treated areas typically include the Fresh Pond Reservation, Danehy Park, and the wetlands areas along the Little River near the Alewife Brook. EEMCP also maintains several surveillance mosquito trapping stations in Cambridge.
  
  
• The Cambridge Public Health Department website offers information about mosquito-borne illnesses, including news updates during mosquito season, disease fact sheets, prevention tips, information on reporting and disposing of dead birds, statewide surveillance data, and links to relevant state and national public health agencies.
  
  
• The Cambridge Public Health Department maintains an e-mail alert and update system that delivers periodic updates about West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis to subscribers. The WNV Listserv is a free service available to all community members.
  
  
• The Cambridge Public Health Department assists the Cambridge Public Schools in communicating with parents and establishing an appropriate policy on outdoor athletic events that are held during September and early October (periods of heightened risk).
  
  
• The Cambridge Public Health Department, the Department of Public Works, and Inspectional Services receive calls relating to standing water and other potential mosquito habitats. The division of responsibilities for responding to these calls is as follows: DPW is charged with addressing standing water on public property, Inspectional Services is responsible for standing water on construction sites and commercial property, and the public health department follows up on calls about standing water on private property.
  
  
• The Department of Public Works and the Animal Commission respond to dead birds reported by residents and businesses. Animals found on private property are the responsibility of the property owner to dispose of (although City staff often attempt to assist residents when a request is made). The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is responsible for tracking locations of dead birds and testing. For more information, see
  How To Report a Dead Bird.