Mosquito Spraying Planned After Rare Virus Detected In Morris County

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A rare virus detected in several mosquito pools across the state, including one in Morris County, has prompted officials to continue mosquito treatments in the area over the next few days.

The state Department of Health confirmed a human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a report released earlier this month.

The virus has also been detected in seven mosquito pools so far in 2024, with positive pools found in Cape May, Hunterdon, Monmouth, Morris and Union counties, according to health officials.

In Morris County, the positive samples were found in resting boxes located in the woods off Valley Road in Rockaway Township.

The township released an advisory notice to all residents on Aug. 22, urging them to take precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, such as repairing old window and door screens and using insect repellent.

Other precautions include:

• Minimizing outdoor activities at dawn and dusk and during the evening hours.
• Wearing long shirts and pants when outdoors.
• Dispose of standing water in flowerpots, buckets, tires, pools, playground equipment, and other containers.

• Emptying and refilling birdbaths weekly.

Residents should report mosquito problems and standing water to the Morris County Division of Mosquito Control at 973-285-6450.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious viral infection transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. According to the New Jersey Health Department, the infection can affect humans, horses and some birds, but it is spread exclusively by mosquitoes.

The Morris County Adult Mosquito Control Operations will continue to conduct ground-level fogging in approximately six communities around the county over the next three days.

"Due to an increase in adult mosquito populations and disease response, weather permitting, we will be treating the woods at the following location via All-Terrain Vehicle and backpack," county officials said.

Spraying will be conducted either from 4:30 to 8 a.m. or from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. (weather permitting).

See below for the list of communities to be sprayed:

• Thursday:
  • Long Hill: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Valley Rd., Lounsberry Meadow, Stonehenge Rd., Knoll Ct., Karen Dietrich Dr., Deer Run, Heritage Rd., Indian Run, Northfield Rd., Aaron Dr., Leprechaun Dr., Shamrock Ct., Joss Way, Poppy Pl., Rainbow Dr., Rolling Hill Dr., Old Farm House Rd., Essex St., Passaic Ave., Sussex Ave., Main St.
  • Florham Park: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
    • Townsend Dr., Old Mill Rd., Kenwood, Hancock Dr., Sterling Dr., Schindler Dr., Sun Valley Way (Back portion by basin and tennis courts)
• Friday:
  • Hanover: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
    • Reynolds Ave. (Bee Meadow Park), Pond Rd. (Brickyard Field)
    • Morris Township: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
  • Parsippany: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
    • DiEdwardo Court
  • Parsippany: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
    • DiEdwardo Court
  • Morris Township: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
    • Cedar Street
• Saturday:
  • Morristown: 4:30 to 8 a.m.
    • Martin Luther King Ave. and Flagler St. (Patriots Path)

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