Viruses Detected In Burlington County Mosquitoes: Officials

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — Mosquitoes in Burlington County have tested positive for carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus, West Nile Virus and Jamestown Canyon Virus, officials said this week. There have not been any cases of these viruses detected among residents yet, however.

“Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as West Nile Virus Disease and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, can affect everyone but are of particular concern for the young, elderly and pregnant women,” Burlington County Health Department Director Dr. Herb Conaway said. “Preventing mosquito bites is key to reducing your risk.”

The infected mosquitoes were detected amid a summer in which South Jersey has seen more rain than usual. This has resulted in an increase in mosquito populations and could lead to more mosquito-borne illnesses, according to officials.

Mosquitoes prefer to lay eggs in water that collects or is stored in man made containers. Officials advise residents to reduce the number of mosquitoes outside the home by frequently (once per week) emptying free-standing water from flower pots, pool covers, pet dishes, bird baths, etc.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water by promptly scrubbing, turning over, covering, or throwing out any items that hold water,” said Tom Verna, Mosquito Control.

The Burlington County Health Department and Burlington County Mosquito Control are urging residents to be more diligent in preventing mosquito bites by using the 4 D’s technique:

• DRAIN standing water routinely.
• Use an insect repellant with DEET.
• Be especially careful at DUSK & DAWN.
• DRESS in long sleeves and pants where mosquitoes are active.

For more information about mosquito bite prevention, go to the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Fight the Bite, NJ!” webpage at https://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/vectorborne.shtml.

To file a mosquito control complaint, please complete a complaint form at https://burlingtoncountynj.formstack.com/forms/mosquito_control_complaint_form_1.