West Nile Virus Confirmed in Pittsfield Mosquito Samples

State health officials have confirmed West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected from two locations in Pittsfield, according to a city alert issued August 14. The finding comes as the city also renews an advisory that no lifeguards will be on duty at Burbank Park's Onota Lake beach for the rest of the summer.

TOWN HALL

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed West Nile virus in mosquito samples collected in Pittsfield, with positive isolations recorded at the Pittsfield-Richmond town line on Route 41 and on Garland Avenue, the city's News Flash announcement said. The virus is spread to humans through mosquito bites and can cause serious illness in rare cases, and residents are typically advised to limit outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk and to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed.

The city separately reminded residents that lifeguards will not be present to monitor swimming and other water activities at Burbank Park on Onota Lake for the remainder of the 2026 summer season. Anyone using the beach is on their own for water safety.

The Department of Community Development, working with consulting firm VHB, is preparing to host a public presentation and input session on the draft of the city's long-range Master Plan, dubbed Pathway to 2036. City officials described the session as one of the final steps in developing the plan.

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