Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, continues to urge residents to take precautions against mosquitoes as there has been in increase in the number of human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) throughout New Jersey and the United States.  The first West Nile Virus infection in an Ocean County resident was reported last week; this individual has completely recovered.  Regenye said, “We have a long holiday weekend with many outside activities.  It is extremely important that people make sure they are covered up to protect themselves or to use mosquito repellent.  Please read the directions on the mosquito repellent before using, especially on children.” 

 

            The Ocean County Health Department and the Ocean County Mosquito Commission continue to work together to monitor the WNV situation.  Jennifer Crawford, Communicable Disease Supervisor, said that Ocean County maintains one of the most active West Nile Virus surveillance programs in the state of New Jersey.  The Ocean County Health Department continues to pick up dead birds, which are then sent to the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratory to determine if they are positive for WNV.   The OCHD receives weekly surveillance reports weekly on positive birds for WNV by county in addition to reports on mosquito pools positive for WNV, which can be a collection of up to 70 mosquitoes of one species.  The Ocean County Mosquito Commission increases surveillance in areas where positive birds are identified.”

 

            County residents can help the Health Department control and identify WNV by reporting dead birds that they find on their property by calling the department at 732-341-9700, ext. 7515 or toll free at 1-800-342-9738, ext. 7515.

 

            Crawford continued, “Most human WNV infections produce no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms that include fever, headache and body aches and may be accompanied by a skin rash and swollen lymph glands. More dangerous conditions among the young or elderly and persons with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems have been reported.”

 

        “The mosquitoes feed on the birds, causing them to become infected with WNV.  WNV is mainly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito; therefore, on-going elimination of mosquito breeding is the key to prevention of WNV transmission,” added Crawford.

 

        Residents’ participation in the elimination of standing water around the home is critically important.  Homeowners can help curb the mosquito population by monitoring common mosquito breeding grounds including:

 

·      Bird baths - change the water at least once or twice a week, cleaning the bath on a
regular basis

·         Pr/WNV/pg2/8/31/2012

 

·      Outdoor pet dishes - change the water daily, not only to prevent mosquito breeding, but also for your pet's health

·      Flower pots - remove any overflow water that has collected in the dish beneath the pot or the pot itself

·      Ponds - consider purchasing mosquito-eating fish if the pond is serving as a mosquito breeding site and cannot be drained

·      Tires; if you use one as a swing, drill a whole large enough in the bottom of it to drain any water

·      Gutters - clean and remove debris on a regular basis to prevent water from collecting

·      Wheelbarrows

·      Wading pools

·      Trash can lids and recycling bins

·      Puddles/ditches in your yard or driveway - fill or drain ditches and swampy areas, and other soil depressions and remove, drain, or fill tree holes and stumps with mortar or sealant to prevent accumulation of water

·      Swimming pools (not in use) - keep pool water aerated and chlorinated; cover when not in use

 

In addition to eliminating standing water around the home, residents should take the following precautions:

 

·      Limit outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, when possible

·      Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever outdoors, weather permitting

·      Make sure screen doors and windows are in good condition

·      When going outside, use an insect repellent containing DEET on skin or clothing, or a repellent containing permethrin on clothing.  DO NOT use repellants on children less than 3 years old. ALWAYS USE REPELLANTS ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS ON THE LABEL

 

There are additional steps that individuals can take to minimize mosquito breeding on their property:

 

·      Dispose of or remove buckets, aluminum cans, plastic sheeting, or other refuse that can hold water

·      Remove any standing water on flat roofs or around structures

·      Repair leaking faucets and air conditioners that produce puddles for several days

·      Eliminate standing water and seepage around animal watering troughs, cisterns, and septic tanks. Be sure that cistern screens are intact and that access covers fit tightly

·      Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days