West Nile virus has been found in a mosquito sample collected from Birch Grove Park in Northfield. The sample was collected September 6 and confirmed positive on September 13.
Atlantic County public health and mosquito control officials are conducting mosquito surveillance and implementing additional control measures. Ground sprays were conducted on September 14 in portions of Absecon, Pleasantville, Linwood and Somers Point to reduce populations of adult mosquitoes.
West Nile virus was previously confirmed in mosquito samples collected in Northfield from the 1200 block of Zion Road and the 700 block of Debora Street. Additional positive samples have been confirmed in Absecon, Buena Borough, Buena Vista Township, Corbin City, Egg Harbor City, Linwood and Pleasantville. There are no reported human cases of the virus at this time, according to county health officials.
“It is not uncommon to find West Nile virus in mosquito samples this time of year, which is why we are reminding residents to ‘fight the bite’ by protecting themselves from mosquito-bites,” said County Executive Dennis Levinson.
Across the state, West Nile virus has been found in 525 mosquito samples in 2023, compared to 472 mosquito samples this same time last year. Of the state’s 21 counties, only Cumberland has yet to report a mosquito sample that tested positive for West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is carried by infected mosquitoes and can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans. West Nile virus can cause serious illness, even death. Health officials encourage residents to reduce their risk and the spread of West Nile virus by reducing exposure to mosquitoes by following these tips:
* Use 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 that 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.
Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. 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; cut high grass around yard
For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.
