Tuesday, August 12, 2014

West Nile Virus Found in Two Additional Linwood Samples

A dead bird and a mosquito sample collected from Wilson Avenue in Linwood have each been confirmed positive for West Nile Virus, announced the Atlantic County Division of Public Health.

Earlier this month four mosquito samples and a bird collected from Vernon Avenue in Linwood were confirmed positive for the mosquito-borne disease in addition to four positive mosquito samples collected from Zion Road in Northfield.

"It is not unusual to have positive samples at this time of year," stated Patricia Diamond, Atlantic County Public Health Officer. "We remind residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus and to be vigilant in removing standing water from their properties where mosquitoes can breed."

County public health and mosquito control officials continue to conduct mosquito surveillance and implement additional control measures within the collection site vicinities.

West Nile Virus can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans from infected mosquitoes. Crows are particularly susceptible to the virus and are good indicators of the presence of the disease in a specific area. Sick birds or birds that have died within the past 24 hours may be reported and evaluated for testing.

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.

* 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. Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed.

* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors.

* Report dead or sick birds to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health by calling 609-645-5971.

For information and assistance in removing stagnant water from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.

Click here to learn more about West Nile Virus.

County News