Multiple West Nile Positive Mosquito Samples Found In Atlantic County

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — Atlantic County public health and mosquito control officials are urging residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites after five additional mosquito samples tested positive for West Nile virus this week.

The positive samples were collected July 8 from the 100 block of Cumberland Avenue in Estell Manor, the 700 block of Debora Street in Northfield, Plaza Place in Pleasantville, S. Holly Hills Drive in Somers Point, and the 600 block of Kingsley Avenue in Ventnor. Three previous samples collected from Absecon, Linwood and Somers Point were confirmed positive for West Nile virus last week.

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According to county health officials, there are no reported human cases of the virus in New Jersey. The county also reported more positive mosquito samples earlier in the season this year, which may be related to warmer water and air temperatures that created what officials described as an ideal hatching environment.

County public health and mosquito control officials continue to conduct mosquito surveillance and implement additional control measures. Mosquito-borne diseases can be passed to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. West Nile virus is transmitted to mosquitoes by infected birds, according to the county.

Health officials encouraged residents to reduce their risk and the spread of West Nile virus by limiting exposure to mosquito bites. The county advised people to use insect repellent whenever going outdoors. According to the county, the Centers for Disease Control recommends products containing active ingredients registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Residents also were advised to follow product directions carefully and consult a child's doctor before using repellent on children.

The county also urged residents to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water. Buckets, bird baths, flower pots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes, according to the county, which advised people to empty those containers regularly. Officials also advised residents to clean clogged gutters and check and repair screen doors.

For more information about West Nile virus, residents can visit www.atlanticcountynj.gov or call the Division of Public Health at 609-645-5971. Those who need help removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from their property can call the Office of Mosquito Control at 609-645-5948.