Manalapan Will Be Sprayed Saturday To Combat West Nile Virus

MANALAPAN, NJ — The Monmouth County Mosquito Control will conduct a mosquito spraying in Manalapan from 4 to 6 a.m. on Saturday.

Residents should remain indoors during the spraying period with windows shut and window air conditioners closed to the outside air. Pets should also be kept indoors along with their food and water dishes. Children's toys should also be brought inside as an extra precaution.

County officials are taking measures after evidence of the West Nile virus was found in the area.

“West Nile virus activity is higher than normal statewide this year and spraying to control the mosquito population is one of the most effective ways to defend against it,” said Commissioner Deputy Director Susan M. Kiley.

The county also conducted a mosquito spraying in Manalapan on Aug. 26.

The treatment area will include residential streets north of Symmes Road and south of Milford Brook between Tennent Road and U.S. Highway 9.

Here is the area highlighted in the map:

The County said it would be applying Duet Dual-Action, which contains two pesticides called Prallethrin and Sumithrin, and a synergistic compound called piperonyl butoxide which increases the effectiveness of the pesticides.

"West Nile virus can infect anyone and can cause severe illness which may include fever, headache, body aches and in some cases, a rash," Kiley said.

There is no specific treatment for the West Nile virus, according to the official. Therefore residents are encouraged to "fight the bite" by using EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing light-colored clothing with long sleeves and pants when possible, limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active and drain standing water from gutters, old tires and other containers.

More information about mosquito control can be found here.