Positive West Nile Virus Tests Leads to Mosquito Treatment in Chatham Borough

New Jersey has reported two deaths this year because of mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus, and after Morris County’s Division of Mosquito Control had its own positive samples in the area, Chatham Borough was not taking any chances.

The area along the Passaic River and Commerce Street in the borough was treated with a resmethrin-based insecticide known to be effective in mosquito control following positive West Nile Virus findings.

The area was treated Saturday, Sept. 5.

According to the borough:

“The Division of Mosquito Control set portable traps in various parts of the county to sample the adult mosquito population and dependent upon the species caught will submit samples to the NJ Dept. of Health for viral testing. The target species is the Culex pipien, which has the ability to spread the virus to humans and to amplify the virus amongst the bird population, primarily Crows and Blue Jays. The amount of West Nile virus found around Morris County varies year to year and is heavily weather dependent.”

Regarding the area in Chatham Borough, the statement said, “should a positive collection of mosquitoes be found, the Division of Mosquito Control targets and treats the area to control adult mosquitoes and prevent additional mosquitoes from emerging as adults.”

Three-fourths of victims infected with West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms, while some may develop a fever, body aches, headaches, and joint pains. Those individuals typically recover completely.

• Eliminate any standing water on your property. Mosquitoes use water to reproduce and their juvenile life stage is spent in the aquatic environment.
• Use an approved mosquito repellant. Be sure to use in accordance with label recommendations.
• Wear long sleeved shirts and pants to help protect against mosquito bites.
• Avoid being outside of certain times of day, mainly dawn and dusk as these are the times most mosquitoes are active.