MusicFest Venue Sprayed for West Nile Virus

A county spokesman said that Oak Ridge Park in Clark – the site of this weekend's MusicFest – has sprayed for mosquitos following a Sept. 3 discovery of the West Nile virus. According to a statement on the Clark Township Web site, the virus was found in a pool of mosquitos in the park and public health officials have been notified.

"Our mosquito control division has properly treated the park and pool area where West Nile Virus was found," county spokesman Sebastian D'Elia said. "As a note, it is not uncommon to find West Nile virus in mosquito pools throughout the county, and the state of New Jersey as a whole. When it is  found, the site is immediately treated."

A message left for Clark Township Health Officer Nancy Raymond was not returned. It is not known how large the mosquito pool was. 

D'Elia said MusicFest will not be effected by the discovery and the county mosquito division's work is typical for West Nile discoveries in the county. He stressed that it has been rarely found in humans in the county, noting that only one case has been diagnosed in the county in the last several years.

MusicFest kicked off earlier this week and will reach its peak on Saturday and Sunday with Spoon and Train headlining over the weekend. The festival will also include a county fair, a midway moment of silence to remember the victims of Sept. 11 and charity events.

D'Elia and the Clark Township Web site are urging MusicFest goers to adhere to several precautions while attending the outdoor music celebration and other fall usages of outdoor spaces.

"As with any outdoor activity,  residents are always urged to take precaution and apply mosquito repellent, wear long pants and long sleeves," D'Elia said.