Evidence Of West Nile Virus Surfaces In Northern Monmouth

Monmouth County health officials have found evidence of West Nile virus in the West Belmar section of Wall and Lake Como, according to a release from the Monmouth County Health Department.

So the county Mosquito Control Division will spray residential streets from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday, July 15. The streets involved are south of 17th Avenue between Route 35 and Route 71 in Lake Como and Wall Township and north of Wall Road between Route 35 and Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights

Weather permitting, the Mosquito Control staff will conduct a ground spray operation on residential streets south of 17th Avenue between Highway 35 and Route 71 in Lake Como and Wall Township, on residential streets north of Wall Road between Highway 35 and Route 71 in Spring Lake Heights and in Marucci Park in Spring Lake.

“The goal of the ground spray program is to reduce the public health risk from WNV in the area,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso, liaison to the Mosquito Control division. “It is also important to remember to always wear insect repellant when outdoors, even if it is only for a few minutes.”

Residents in the spray area should remain inside and protect pets during the spray times. Bring in children's toys, pet bowls and turn off the intake fan in air conditioners.

Spraying will not be conducted in the event of wind speeds in excess of 10 mph or inclement weather. Weather cancellation will be posted to the Mosquito Control section of the County website and hotline phone number 732-578-1600.

The application will be made using truck-mounted ultra-low volume equipment dispensing a very fine mist of the pesticide Zenivex® 4E RTU. Zenivex® contains a pesticide called Etofenprox, a member of the category of pesticides called non-ester pyrethroids, which are synthetic versions of pesticides produced by plants called pyrethrins.

Zenivex is a non-ester pyrethroids-based pesticide product that is used to control mosquitoes in outdoor residential and recreational areas.

More information about Zenivex® can also be found on the Mosquito Control webpage at www.VisitMonmouth.com.