More Mosquitos Positive For West Nile Virus In Atlantic County

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Two more mosquito samples have tested positive for West Nile Virus in Atlantic County, officials said.

The latest samples were collected by the county's Office of Mosquito Control in Absecon and Hammonton. They were confirmed positive for the mosquito-borne illness on Aug. 13, county officials said.

Samples from Hammonton and Buena Vista Township tested positive for West Nile Virus last week. However, county officials say there have been no human cases of West Nile Virus reported so far this year.

Someone did test positive for another mosquito-borne illness, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, after an Atlantic County horse died from the disease. This is the first reported case of the illness in New Jersey since 2019. Read more: Person Tests Positive For Mosquito-Borne Illness In Atlantic County

EEE and West Nile virus are transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Officials are conducting increased mosquito surveillance and implementing additional control measures.

Residents are urged to take precautions to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses by limiting their exposure to mosquito bites by following these tips:

* Use 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 that 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.

Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. 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.

* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors

For more information about West Nile virus, visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.