Thursday, October 01, 2009

Atlantic County Reports Third Positive 2009 West Nile Virus Mosquito Sample

Atlantic County has reported finding a mosquito sample in Egg Harbor City that has tested positive for West Nile Virus. State laboratory testing confirmed evidence of the mosquito-borne disease on September 30, 2009.

Representatives from the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control collected the samples on September 23 in the vicinity of 10th Terrace and Duerer Street, Egg Harbor City. County Public Health and Mosquito Control officials are conducting mosquito surveillance, implementing additional control measures and providing educational materials to area residents.

This is the third positive mosquito sample site found in Atlantic County this year while no birds have yet tested positive for the virus within the county. Statewide there have been 272 positive mosquito samples and 27 birds that have tested positive for the disease this year.

West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne virus commonly found in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. It was first identified in the United States in August of 1999 in New York State. West Nile Virus can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans from infected mosquitoes. Crows are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Testing crows and blue jays that have been dead for no more than 24 hours can help health officials determine if the virus is present in a particular region.

Health officials encourage residents to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus by following these simple steps:

* Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent whenever going outdoors. Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients which have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and consult with your child’s doctor prior to using on children.

* Avoid mosquito bites by using an insect repellent whenever going outdoors. Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients which have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and consult with your child’s doctor prior to using on children.

* Rid properties of mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water.
Buckets, bird baths, flower pots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty these containers regularly.
* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors.

* Report dead crows and blue jays to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health by calling 609-645-5971.

For more information about West Nile Virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/publichealth or call our Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus hotline at 877-643-2287. For information or assistance in draining standing water from your property, call the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at 609-645-5948.

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