Friday, July 16, 2004
Atlantic County has reported finding 2 dead crows and 1 mosquito sample that have tested positive for West Nile Virus. State laboratory testing done this week confirmed evidence of the mosquito-borne disease.
Officials from the Atlantic County Division of Public Health collected the infected crows earlier this month from Marlin Road in Absecon and Hemlock Drive in Linwood. In addition, the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control has found a mosquito sample that tested positive for the virus in the Holly Hills Drive area of Somers Point. Officials are conducting mosquito surveillance and providing educational materials to Absecon, Linwood and Somers Point residents.
To date, there have been 4 crows that have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Atlantic County in 2004 and 1 positive mosquito sample. Last year 54 crows, 8 horses and 21 mosquito samples in the county were found to be infected with the disease. No human cases of West Nile Virus have been documented in Atlantic County since the initial discovery of the disease in the United States in 1999.
"It is not uncommon to find positive cases of West Nile Virus in crows and mosquitoes during the summer season," explained County Health Officer Tracye McArdle. "However, even at the height of the season, the risk of human West Nile Virus infection to Atlantic County residents remains relatively low."
West Nile Virus can be transmitted to birds, animals and humans from infected mosquitoes. Crows are particularly vulnerable to West Nile Virus. Testing crows that have been dead for no more than 24 hours can help health officials determine if the virus is present in a particular region.
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. According to the Centers for Disease Control, only repellents containing DEET offer long-lasting protection after a single application. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and use repellent containing less than 10 percent DEET 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.
* Report dead crows 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 or call our hotline at 877-643-2287. For information or assistance in draining standing water from your property, call the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at 609-645-5948.