Town Of Hackettstown: West Nile Virus-Mosquito Spray Information

Hackettstown NJ

01 September, 2021

5:56 PM

Description

Press release from the Town of Hackettstown: September 1, 2021 - 3:33pm West Nile virus Activity Continues to Climb This week, three more samples of mosquitos from Warren County have tested positive for West Nile virus. The total in Warren County so far for this year is now sixteen (16) positive samples.  West Nile virus activity is on the rise in Warren County and state-wide.  All three samples that tested positive this week were Culex mosquitoes. Culex mosquitoes are the type responsible for transmitting West Nile virus, particularly from bird to bird.   The newest samples that tested positive were collected from the Hills of Independence in Independence Township, Whites Road in Franklin Township, and Meadow Breeze Park in Washington Township. Since June 2021, West Nile virus positive mosquito samples were collected from: Belvidere (2), Hackettstown (2), Harmony (2), Indpendence (1), Franklin (2), Greenwich (1), Phillipsburg (2), and Washington Township (4). Mid to late August is peak time for humans and other mammals to acquire this virus.  Additional trapping for adult mosquitoes is taking place to survey for mosquito species more likely to bite people.  Treatments to reduce adult mosquito populations in Independence, Hackettstown, and Franklin are currently scheduled for Thursday night, September 2, 2021 from 8:30 pm – 11:30 pm with a raindate of Sunday September 5, 2021 (same time frame).  Please check our website for more information.   There are high populations of container-breeding mosquitoes in the area that could potentially transmit the virus.  YOU CAN HELP!  Residents are urged to help reduce their risk of contracting mosquito-borne diseases by following these guidelines:  Don't produce mosquitoes on your property. Dump or drain standing water. Mosquitoes can't begin their life without water. Encourage your neighbors to do the same! Defend yourself against mosquitoes using repellents containing DEET, IR3535, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are present, typically Dawn and Dusk. Report neglected swimming pools by calling 908-453-3585 or visiting www.warrencountymosquito.org  Anonymous calls accepted. Just one neglected pool       can produce more than 1 million mosquitoes and affect people up to five miles away.     WEST NILE VIRUS INFORMATION West Nile virus symptoms of the mild form include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, and swollen lymph glands. While the illness can be as short as a few days, even healthy people have reported being sick for several weeks. Less than one percent of individuals (about 1 in 150 people) infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. West Nile virus infection can be fatal.       Horses can also contract West Nile virus and get seriously ill from the disease.  There is a vaccine for horses but they need to be vaccinated every year.  Contact your veterinarian for vaccination information.    Updated WNV activity in the county can be found at http://www.warrencountymosquito.org/diseasesurveillance.php Information on WNV, repellents etc. from the Centers for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes/   Notice of spraying to be done for adult mosquitoes in the county can be found at http://www.warrencountymosquito.org/adulticide.php This press release was produced by the Town of Hackettstown. The views expressed here are the author's own.