Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator, continues to urge residents to take precautions against mosquitoes as an additional case of West Nile Virus (WNV) was reported, bringing Ocean County’s total of confirmed cases to five. All five residents have recovered from the virus. West Nile virus is transmitted by a bite from a mosquito infected with WNV to a person. Regenye urges residents to take precautions such as using mosquito repellent and clear any standing water on their property.
Jennifer Crawford, OCHD Supervisor of Communicable Disease, said, “Many people infected with West Nile Virus may develop 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. Severe symptoms include high fever, neck stiffness, and swelling of the brain (encephalitis) which can lead to coma, convulsions, and death.”
Crawford continued, “The mosquitoes feed on the birds, causing them to become infected with WNV. As West Nile Virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito; on-going elimination of mosquito breeding is the key to prevention of WNV transmission.
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.
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
· 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
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· 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; if you have any stored on your property make sure they are drained or keep covered
· 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