Heightened awareness of bugs at the Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The threat of mosquito-borne illness has fairgoers buzzing this year, especially on opening day. State health officials confirmed the 14th case of West Nile Virus in a man from Hampden County.

The Big E , in West Springfield, is listed at a "high" threat level for mosquito-borne illness. It's a threat that some don't take lightly.

Marjory Palladino of Wallingford, CT, told 22News, “I'm a nurse so I do pay attention to it on the news, it's something that you do need to be aware of right now.”

That's why the fair took some precautions to try and minimize the mosquito population on the grounds.

According to the director of marketing at the Big E, Noreen Tasinari, “Prior to the fair opening we removed all standing water throughout the grounds, and we hired a company that is removing the water from storm drains and catch basins, and keeping an eye on any water that can accumulate.”

One of the most popular attractions at the Big E is the horse show and each of the horses has to be vaccinated for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis before they can enter.

“I don't care about it, my horses are vaccinated for it so I'm good,” said Alexa Riccio of Cheshire, CT.

Despite the risk, the food and fun at the fair will continue to draw people in, just with bugs in the back of their minds.