West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitos Found In Morris County

MADISON, NJ — Officials are urging residents to "fight the bite" and practice safety as a mosquito sample from a Morris County municipality has tested positive for West Nile virus.

Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been detected near Memorial Park in Madison, officials said. As a result, the Morris County Mosquito Control will treat affected areas this weekend, weather permitting.

Memorial Park is located at 10 Longview Avenue in Madison.

There have been no human cases of the virus confirmed in Morris County.

This news follows a recent advisory from Rockaway Township, which alerted residents to the presence of Eastern equine encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus, detected in a mosquito pool near Valley Road in the northern part of the town.

Read More: Mosquito Spraying Planned After Rare Virus Detected In Morris County

West Nile virus is an infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

First identified in the United States in 1999, it is most commonly seen during the summer and early fall. While anyone can contract West Nile virus, individuals over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe illness.

Symptoms of West Nile virus can appear 1 to 14 days after infection. Mild symptoms resemble the flu and may include fever, headache, body aches and occasionally a rash. Severe cases can present with a high fever, a stiff neck and swelling of the brain.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus, but rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may help relieve symptoms.

The borough is urging residents to:

• Use EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET in it
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Dump or drain any standing water you may have in things like buckets or flowerpots
• Use screens on windows and doors
• Avoid spending time outdoors at dawn or dusk
• Cover baby carriers like cribs or strollers

“All New Jerseyans should be aware of the potential significant impacts from mosquito-borne illnesses, especially West Nile virus and Eastern Equine encephalitis,” said NJ Health Commissioner Kaitlan Baston, M.D. “New Jersey has a long and robust mosquito control and prevention program at the state and local levels, which helps to bolster our protections.”

Do you have a mosquito problem? Residents can make a mosquito inspection request by clicking here or by calling 973-285-6450.