Tuesday, October 13, 2015

West Nile Virus Found in Somers Point Mosquito Sample

West Nile Virus has been found again - this time in a mosquito sample collected from the Lawrence “Bud” Kern Field at New Hampshire and 7th Street in Somers Point.

The mosquito sample was collected from traps set by the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control and confirmed positive for the virus on October 7.

West Nile Virus has previously been confirmed in mosquito samples from Hammonton, Ventnor and Northfield. This is the first positive sample from Somers Point this year.

County public health and mosquito control officials will continue to conduct mosquito surveillance and implement additional control measures within the vicinity of the Bud Kern Field. If activity continues and/or increases, a ground spray may be scheduled for that community.

Ground sprays have been conducted in areas of Hammonton, Ventnor, Margate, Linwood and Northfield to help reduce the adult mosquito population.

West Nile Virus can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans from infected mosquitoes. Crows and certain other birds are particularly susceptible to the virus and may indicate 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 birds 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/westnile

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.

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