West Nile Virus In Morris Co.: State Shares Prevention Tips

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Even though the summer has ended, mosquito season has not. With several pools of water across Morris County testing positive for West Nile Virus recently and two North Jersey residents dying from it, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection is sharing safety tips.

“Conditions remain optimal for mosquito breeding and the species of mosquitoes that can carry the virus can breed in even the smallest pools of water – even toys and discarded cups,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “People should empty or throw away anything that can hold water – no matter how small – and be mindful of regularly changing water in bird baths and bowls for pets. It’s also very important to make sure that garbage and recycling receptacles have secure lids to prevent the pooling of water.”

Towns that had pools test positive for the virus in Morris County include Chester Township, Rockaway, and Long Valley. Many of those positive tests were near sporting fields; all were sprayed after the positive tests.

"The number of human West Nile virus cases is the highest we've seen since 2012, and the season is not over yet," said Elnahal. "The pattern of hot and wet weather this summer has led to an increase in mosquito populations and associated viruses."

• Read More: 2nd Bergen County Resident Dies Of West Nile Virus

Residents, business owners and contractors can take these steps to reduce mosquito populations:

• Empty water from flower pots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans at least once or twice a week.
• Clear clogged rain gutters.
• Check for and remove any containers or trash that may be difficult to see, such as under bushes, homes or around building exteriors.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents when outdoors and wear protective clothing.
• Stay in air-conditioned places or rooms with window screens that prevent access by mosquitoes.
• Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
• Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors.
• Repair and clean storm-damaged roof gutters, particularly if the leaves from surrounding trees tend to clog drains. Roof gutters can produce millions of mosquitoes each season.
• Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
• Avoid allowing water to stagnate in bird baths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish. Water gardens become major mosquito producers if they stagnate.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, including those not in use. An untended swimming pool can produce enough mosquitoes to result in neighborhood-wide complaints. Be aware that mosquitoes may also breed in water that collects on pool covers.
• Repair and maintain barriers, such as window and door screens, to prevent mosquitoes from entering buildings. Barriers over rain barrels or cistern and septic pipes will prevent female mosquitoes from laying eggs on water.

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